Printable temperature-responsive hybrid hydrogels with photoluminescent carbon nanodots

Smart ink-like hybrid hydrogels that simultaneously possess semi-interpenetrating network structure, strong photoluminescence and temperature sensitivity are successfully fabricated based on the crosslink of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) in the presence of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and carbon nanodots (CNDs) at room temperature. The resulting hybrid hydrogels were highly photoluminescent. The photoluminescence was sensitive to external temperature stimuli and reversible. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogels were applied as fluorescent inks for patterning using gravure printing, which may open a door towards developing smart CND based thermosensitive photoluminescent markers and sensors.