Hydrogels for robust thermal management: mechanism and applications
Xueyan Hu1,2, Ling Liu1,2, Jin Wang1,2
1Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China. jwang2014@sinano.ac.cn.
Chemical Society Reviews
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Hydrogels offer versatile thermal regulation through multiple mechanisms like evaporative cooling and heat storage. This review explores their advanced applications and challenges for next-generation thermal management technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermal Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Growing energy demands and environmental concerns necessitate advanced thermal management solutions.
- Hydrogels, with tunable properties and high water content, present a promising material platform.
- Conventional materials lack the adaptability required for dynamic thermal challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of hydrogel-based thermal regulation.
- To examine recent advancements in hydrogel materials and applications.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming current limitations in hydrogel technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of physicochemical principles governing hydrogel thermal properties.
- Analysis of hydrogel incorporation with phase-change materials, hygroscopic agents, and nanofillers.
- Examination of structural design strategies for enhanced thermal performance.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels utilize combined mechanisms: evaporative cooling, conduction, heat storage, and radiative cooling.
- Enhanced hydrogels show potential in wearable thermoregulation, infrared camouflage, and electronic cooling.
- Key challenges include long-term durability, water retention, and scalable manufacturing.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogels offer adaptable thermal management through integrated design and functionality.
- Further research is needed to address durability and scalability for widespread adoption.
- Hydrogels are poised to be critical in developing next-generation adaptive thermal management systems.
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