Skin-like cryogel electronics from suppressed-freezing tuned polymer amorphization

The sole situation of semi-crystalline structure induced single performance remarkably limits the green cryogels in the application of soft devices due to uncontrolled freezing field. Here, a facile strategy for achieving multi-functionality of cryogels is proposed using total amorphization of polymer. Through precisely lowering the freezing point of precursor solutions with an antifreezing salt, the suppressed growth of ice is achieved, creating an unusually weak and homogenous aggregation of polymer chains upon freezing, thereby realizing the tunableamorphization of polymer and the coexistence of free and hydrogen bonding hydroxyl groups. Suchmulti-scale microstructures trigger the integrated properties of tissue-like ultrasoftness (Young'smodulus <10 kPa) yet stretchability, high transparency (similar to 92%), self-adhesion, and instantaneous self-healing (<0.3 s) for cryogels, along with superior ionic-conductivity, antifreezing (-58 degrees C) and water-retention abilities, pushing the development of skin-like cryogel electronics. These concepts open an attractive branch for cryogels that adopt regulated crystallization behavior for on-demand functionalities.

Automated summary

A facile strategy using total amorphization of polymer is proposed to achieve multi-functionality of cryogels. The cryogels exhibit tissue-like ultrasoftness, stretchability, high transparency, self-adhesion, and instantaneous self-healing, along with superior ionic-conductivity, antifreezing, and water-retention abilities. This paves the way for the development of skin-like cryogel electronics.