Supramolecular topological hydrogels: from material design to applications

Abstract

Supramolecular topological hydrogels are a type of polymeric materials that combine the dynamic reversibility of non-covalent bonds with the structural features of covalent topological polymers, thus possessing a wide range of typical applications. This tutorial review is intended to provide an in-depth and all-around overview of the recent advancement in the field of supramolecular topological hydrogels from three perspectives: the strategy of introducing topological structures, stimulus-responsive properties, and functional applications. We firstly summarize supramolecular topological polymers and their classification and methodologies before focusing on supramolecular topological hydrogels. Subsequently, we introduced a series of common types of supramolecular topological hydrogels that respond to external stimuli (such as temperature, light, electronic) and elaborated their vital applications in self-healing materials, soft drives, adhesion, and so on. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives in supramolecular topological hydrogels are also highlighted to attract more research attention and promote the development of supramolecular topological hydrogels with fascinating design and versatile applications.