Design of multifunctional gels for sensing and smart optical applications
Conductive gels hold immense promise for next-generation wearable electronics, owing to their inherent softness, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. However, realizing their full potential in diverse and dynamic environments remains hindered by critical performance bottlenecks. Key challenges include: (i) poor underwater adhesion due to interfacial hydration layers, compromising long-term durability; (ii) swelling-induced mechanical instability, resulting from excessive water uptake and network distortion; (iii) frozen-state fragility, where ice formation disrupts ionic pathways and flexibility at subzero temperatures; and (iv) mechanical vulnerability to puncture, shock, and fatigue, highlighting the need for intrinsic self-healing or enhanced robustness. In his thesis, Zeyu Zhang addresses these pivotal challenges through strategic material innovations and targeted design approaches.