Tuning ice nucleation with pH-modulated Fe3+ cross-linked hydrogel surfaces

Ice nucleation plays a vital function in various fields. In this study, we prepared hydrogel surfaces with different cross-linkages by pH-modulating the coordination pattern of Fe3+ and catechol. We found that the ice nucleation temperature decreases with increasing cross-linkages. Further analysis shows that the hydrogel surfaces with different cross-linking degrees could achieve the regulation of ice nucleation by modulating the interfacial water. Our study elucidates the mechanism of ice nucleation regulated by interfacial water in soft matter and proposes a new method for preparing ice nucleation-regulated material.

Automated summary

In this study, hydrogel surfaces with different cross-linkages were prepared by pH-modulating the coordination pattern of Fe3+ and catechol. It was found that increasing cross-linkages decrease the ice nucleation temperature. Further analysis revealed that ice nucleation could be regulated by modulating the interfacial water of the hydrogel surfaces with different cross-linking degrees. The study elucidates the mechanism of ice nucleation regulated by interfacial water in soft matter and proposes a new method for preparing ice nucleation-regulated materials.