journal article·2025-07

Strong and Tough Eutectogels with Broad‐Range Tunable Mechanical Properties via the Hydrogen Bond Network‐Specific Effect

Xiaosheng Huo, Junlong Wang, Zhenhua Cong, Chen Liu, Chunjing Cai, Yaxuan Wang, Xiangqian Zhang, Chengning Li, Si Lan, Jian Niu

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 35· Issue 27
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Abstract

Abstract Eutectogels represent promising materials for technological applications due to their excellent ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability, and nonvolatility. Nonetheless, most existing eutectogels suffer from low strength and toughness. Herein, a strategy to broadly alter the mechanical properties of eutectogels by tuning the aggregation states of polymer chains through the specific hydrogen bond network of a deep eutectic solvent is reported. The prepared eutectogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, including record‐breaking toughness (203.38 MJ m−3) and strength (31.53 MPa), outperforming even the toughest reported eutectogels and surpassing synthetic polymers such as PDMS, synthetic rubber, and natural spider silk. By tailoring the deep eutectic solvent's hydrogen bond network through careful selection of the number and types of hydrogen bonding functional groups, the mechanical properties of eutectogels can be precisely tuned across a wide range. Specifically, tensile strength is adjusted from 8.19 to 31.53 MPa, toughness from 69.84 to 203.38 MJ m−3, and modulus from 3.38 to 13.01 MPa. Given the diversity of deep eutectic solvents, the proposed strategy allows for rational design of their hydrogen‐bond networks to further optimize the mechanical properties of eutectogels, providing a versatile approach for the controlled preparation of high‐strength, tough eutectogels.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications · Silicone and Siloxane Chemistry · Aerogels and thermal insulation

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Nano and Heterogeneous Materials Center School of Materials Science and Engineering Nanjing University of Science and Technology Nanjing Jiangsu 210094 China

State Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM) Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM) Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 China

Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience School of Materials Scienceand Engineering Nanjing University of Science and Technology Nanjing Jiangsu 210094 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · Jiangsu Planned Projects for Postdoctoral Research Funds · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

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