Triple-network hydrogel

All-weather ionic skin

A multifunctional hydrogel combining high transparency, toughness, anti-freezing, moisture retention, and ionic conductivity for all-weather wearable electronics.

Xiancheng, Zhang · Qiang, Taotao · Yifan, Fei · Zhang, Yanling · Tianlin, Chen · Yuxing, Zhang · Zhuoli, Yin · Guannan, Dong · Huaqing, Liu · Ruilong, Li · Guan, Xiaoyu · Ren, Longfang

Journal of Materials Science and Technology 2027

Specifications

Elongation

{'zh': '>1500', 'en': '>1500'} %

Tensile strength

{'zh': '286', 'en': '286'} kPa

Transparency

{'zh': '>90', 'en': '>90'} %

Freezing point

{'zh': '−49.5', 'en': '−49.5'} °C

Conductivity

{'zh': '0.74', 'en': '0.74'} S/m

Instantaneous power density

{'zh': '220', 'en': '220'} mW m−2

Advantages

Transparent and tough

Dynamic Zr⁴⁺ coordination bonds toughen without coloration, keeping transparency above 90%.

Works in freezing cold

Ethylene glycol/water binary solvent reconfigures hydrogen-bonding network, depressing freezing point to −49.5 °C for low-temperature flexibility and conductivity.

Long-term moisture retention

Binary solvent locks in moisture, keeping the hydrogel stable against dehydration over time.

Applications

• Electronic skin：All-weather strain sensing, enabling wireless human-machine interaction even at low temperatures.