University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (9): 338-348.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202309046

Special Issue:

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

From Jelly to Soft Matter: Preparation and Properties-Exploring of Different Kinds of Hydrogels

Qingyang Cui1, Feng Yu1, Zirun Wang1, Bangkun Jin1,2, Wanqun Hu1,2, Wan Li1,2   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China;
    2 National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, China
  • Received:2023-09-13 Revised:2023-11-28 Published:2024-02-02
  • Contact: Bangkun Jin, Wanqun Hu E-mail:jbk@ustc.edu.cn;hwq@ustc.edu.cn

Abstract: As a member of soft matter, hydrogel is a new type of functional polymer material with a three-dimensional network structure. Due to the properties of high water content, fast swelling, good biocompatibility, and sensitive responsiveness to external stimuli, hydrogels have been widely used in various different fields. Starting from the common jellies and water-elf toys in life, this project gradually goes deep into 3D-printing technology hydrogels, deformable hydrogel, and memorizing-forgetting hydrogel based on thermal stimulation. For different audiences, we have popularized the knowledge of hydrogels at different levels, experienced the preparation and properties of different types of the hydrogels, and explained the related chemical principles, so as to improve the public chemical literacy.

Key words: Soft matter, Hydrogel, Preparation and properties-exploring, Hierarchical popularization