Nanosheet-hydrogel composites: from preparation and fundamental properties to their promising applications

Hydrogels are an important class of soft materials with elastic and intelligent properties. Nevertheless, these traditional hydrogels usually possess poor mechanical properties and limited functions, which greatly restrict their further applications. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, there have been significant advances in the design and fabrication of functional nanocomposite hydrogels with unique properties and functions. Among various materials, nanosheets with planar topography, large specific surface areas, and versatile physicochemical properties have attracted intense research interest. Herein, this review summarises the synthesis mechanisms, fundamental properties, and promising applications of nanosheet-incorporated hydrogels. In particular, how the nanosheet structure is applied to improve the overall performance of the hydrogel in each application is emphasized. Additionally, the current challenges and prospects are briefly discussed in this area. We expect that the combination of nanosheets and hydrogels can attract more researchers' interest and bring new opportunities in the future.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the synthesis mechanisms, fundamental properties, and promising applications of nanosheet-incorporated hydrogels. The emphasis is placed on how the nanosheet structure is applied to improve the overall performance of the hydrogel in each application. Additionally, the current challenges and prospects in this area are briefly discussed. We anticipate that the combination of nanosheets and hydrogels will attract more researchers' interest and bring new opportunities in the future.