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Closed-Loop Recyclable, Tough, and Solvent-Resistant Electromagnetic Shielding Hydrogel Inspired by Dragonfly.
Jingyi Kang1, Meiming Lu1, Yan Wang1
1Polymeric and Soft Materials Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel, solvent-resistant hydrogel for electromagnetic shielding and sensing. The dragonfly-inspired material is recyclable, offering sustainable solutions for flexible electronics in liquid environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electromagnetic shielding hydrogels are crucial for stress sensing, motion monitoring, and bioelectronics.
- Current hydrogels lack solvent resistance and closed-loop recycling, limiting their use in liquid environments.
- Developing robust and sustainable hydrogels is essential for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a solvent-resistant and closed-loop recyclable electromagnetic shielding hydrogel.
- To mimic dragonfly biomaterials for enhanced hydrogel properties.
- To enable flexible electronics operating reliably in diverse liquid conditions.
Main Methods:
- Biomimetic dual-network structure using rigid polyimide (PI) and flexible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).
- Incorporation of graphene nanofillers for electromagnetic shielding.
- Demonstration of closed-loop recycling of PI monomers and graphene.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared a solvent-resistant and recyclable electromagnetic shielding hydrogel.
- Achieved high mechanical strength, reprocessing, and welding capabilities.
- Demonstrated closed-loop recycling and reuse of PI monomers and graphene nanofillers.
- The hydrogel functioned effectively as a stress sensor in air, water, and organic solvents.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel offers a promising strategy for solvent-resistant and sustainable electromagnetic shielding applications.
- This approach addresses key limitations of existing hydrogels for liquid-environment electronics.
- The dragonfly-inspired design provides a pathway for advanced, durable flexible electronic materials.
