Defence Zeyu Zhang: "Design of Multifunctional gels for Sensing and Smart Optical Applications"

Promotors: 1^st promotor: Prof. P. Raffa, 2^nd promotor: Prof. F. Picchioni

Abstract: Conductive hydrogels 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. This thesis addresses these pivotal challenges through strategic material innovations and targeted design approaches.thereby advancing their utility in wearable sensors, electronic skins, underwater adhesives, and adaptive optoelectronic systems.

Dissertation