Visible-light-assisted multimechanism design for one-step engineering tough hydrogels in seconds

Tough hydrogels with efficient mechanical energy dissipation and high strain tolerance are highly desirable for various applications. However, traditional fabrication methods often involve multiple steps, lengthy UV irradiation, or high-temperature heating, limiting their use. This paper presents a one-step, biocompatible, and rapid strategy for producing tough hydrogels in seconds using visible light. A multimechanism design, incorporating multiple network structures, significantly enhances mechanical properties and maintains toughness in diverse environments. The method's compatibility with various printing technologies opens avenues for high-resolution patterning and diverse applications in material chemistry, tissue engineering, and flexible electronics.

Cong Wang, Ping Zhang, Wenqing Xiao, Jiaqi Zhao, Mengting Shi, Hongqiu Wei, Zhouhu Deng, Baolin Guo, Zijian Zheng, You Yu