Multi-color fluorescent hydrogels via one-pot method: mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and fluorescent properties
摘要
Hydrogel is a kind of three-dimensional network gel with water as its core dispersion medium. It is constructed by complex interactions of covalent bonds and non-covalent bonds. Traditional hydrogels usually exhibit soft and fragile mechanical properties, and are difficult to meet the requirements in a variety of practical application scenarios. In this work, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and methacrylamide monomer were synthesized through the “one-pot method”, which simplifies the tedious steps of preparation. Then, the hydrogels’ mechanical modification was carried out by adding different ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The tensile strength and load-bearing properties of the prepared hydrogels were significantly enhanced as PVA content increased. Meanwhile, the introduction of crosslinking agent N, N’-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) resulted in a more compact molecular cross-linking network within the hydrogels. The highest tensile strength of the hydrogels was 0.65 MPa, and the maximum bearing capacity was 8.75 kg. In addition, fluorescent components were observed no effect on the hydrogels’ performances, such as mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The realization of this multi-color hydrogel has contributed to its application in fields such as biomedical, anti-counterfeiting, flexible devices, and other fields.