Controllable preparation of Cs+ incorporated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) gel for rapid and highly sensitive visual detection of Pb2+
PAN-based gel sensor was fabricated for rapid and highly sensitive visual Pb2+ detection by forming luminescent CsPbBr3 NCs.
Engineering the interface of cellulose nanocrystals for transient and bioactive iontronics based on protein eutectogels
Dual physical–chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals enables high-performance gelatin eutectogels. Dynamic CNC–COOH/TA assemblies impart strain-sensing capability and contact-mediated antibacterial functionality for greener iontronics.
Paper
Fabrication of 3D PEDOT:PSS composite microstructures via two-photon polymerisation
Two-photon polymerisation of PEDOT:PSS composite microstructures characterised by conductive-AFM.
Microfluidic fabrication of dual-functional hydrogel optical fibers with controlled swelling for simultaneous light transmission and ionic conductivity
Conductive hydrogel optical fibers with integrated dual functionality are fabricated via microfluidic coaxial extrusion, transmitting optical and electrical signals during deformation for advanced wearable biomedical sensors.
Biodegradable CMC/Zn/Ca/Cu cross-linked novel superabsorbent hydrogel bead for plant pathogen prevention and agricultural applications
CMC/Zn/Ca/Cu cross-linked biodegradable hydrogel bead for multinutrient fertilizer delivery showing optimal growth pattern of Solanum lycopersicum L. and effective against a plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum F1C1.
Dual-conductive polymeric deep eutectic solvent scaffolds containing carbon nanotubes for spinal cord reconnection
Development of dual-conductive scaffolds based on polymerizable deep eutectic monomers (DEMs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for spinal cord repair.
Ureidopyrimidinone based poly(ionic liquids) as all solid-state electrolytes for electrochromic devices
The growing demand for flexible electrochemical devices has prompted the development of safer and more mechanically compatible electrolytes.
A fast-response ionogel with switchable conductivity triggered by the photothermal effect
Smart ionogels that can respond rapidly to light irradiation with switchable conductivity have been designed by introducing graphene nanosheets into a physically-co-chemically cross-linked double-network elastomer matrix.
Crosslinking site sharing-driven interface engineering to enhance adhesion between PDMS substrates and Ag–PDMS conductors
Adhesion at the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–conductor interface was improved via crosslinking site sharing, and polymer chain tuning of the PDMS substrate revealed key factors for interfacial crosslinking and favorable adhesion conditions.
Mechanically robust, thermally stable, bio-sourced and flexible eutectogel electrolytes for MXene-based symmetric supercapacitors
Environmentally benign and novel quasi-solid-state gel electrolytes comprising gelatin and an eco-friendly deep eutectic solvent (DES) or DES–water mixtures (water content ∼20 wt% and ∼50 wt%) have been prepared and characterized.
An eco-friendly sodium-based thermoplastic starch solid electrolyte for energy-efficient and sustainable electrochromic devices
This work presents an eco-friendly ECD using a sodium-based starch electrolyte, showing 58.5% transmittance change, 6 s fast coloration switching, 11.5 h self-bleaching, and excellent stability for energy-saving applications of ECDs.
Paper
Deep eutectic solvent infused silk fibroin gels for flexible touch sensing
A silk fibroin-deep eutectic solvent gel with mechanical strength, ionic conductivity and environmental stability was engineered, enabling bendable capacitive touch sensors to achieve centimeter-scale position resolution and rapid gesture tracking.
Robust phase-separated supramolecular eutectogels regulated by triple non-covalent cross-linked networks for the construction of recyclable electronics
Robust phase-separated supramolecular eutectogels regulated by electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and metal coordination triple non-covalent interactions are successfully constructed.
Electrochemical properties of a ferrocene-containing poly(vinyl alcohol)-based redox hydrogel and its application as a matrix for electrochromic devices
A redox-active hydrogel with a ferrocene/cyclodextrin complex in a PVA/borax matrix enables electrochromic function while retaining viscoelasticity.
A damping hydrogel with high water retention and strong adhesion for precise bioelectric signal detection
A chitosan/acrylic acid/acetamide-based damping hydrogel with high water retention and strong adhesion properties.
Highly stretchable, adhesive and 3D-printable eutectic ion conductor for wearable electronics and self-powered sensors
A highly stretchable, adhesive and 3D-printable eutectic ion conductor was prepared and applied for wearable electronics and self-powered sensors.
About this collection
This themed collection centers on the materials chemistry of functional gels, with a particular focus on their applications in optics and electronics. Highlighting advances in ionogels, hydrogels, and related soft materials, the collection explores the chemical design, synthesis, and characterization of these gel materials, and their potential in devices such as actuators, sensors, and stretchable electronics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular interactions and structural properties that enable these materials to exhibit unique optical and electronic functionalities.
Guest Edited by Professors David Mecerreyes (POLYMAT – University of the Basque Country, Spain), Jeong-Yun Sun (Seoul National University, South Korea) and Xiaomin Xu (Tsinghua University, China), this Journal of Materials Chemistry C collection aims to drive forward the development of next-generation technologies that rely on the integration of advanced gel materials.