Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogels with Low Hysteresis, Excellent Water Retention and Anti-Freezing as Flexible Wearable Sensors

Abstract

Conductive hydrogels hold great promise for wearable electronics but are limited by freezing, dehydration, and poor balance between mechanical and electrical properties. Herein, we present a one-pot strategy to synthesize multifunctional hydrogels from acrylamide, di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate, and lithium salts. Synergistic hydrogen bonding and Li+-O coordination endow the hydrogels with excellent stretchability, low hysteresis, and stable conductivity. The hydrogels also show outstanding water retention and anti-freezing capability, ensuring reliable performance under harsh conditions. These features enable their use in flexible sensors and energy storage devices, offering a versatile platform for next-generation electronics.