Multifunctional double-network PVA/cellulose hydrogels for strain sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators Yaquan Wang , Yao Lu Queen Mary University of London, UK Reversibly stretchable, highly conductive, and transparent hydrogels with long-term environmental stabilities are emerging in soft electronics. However, it is still challenging to achieve versatility and environmental stabilities of hydrogels. In this work, double-network polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/cellulose hydrogels were constructed after introducing a conductive rigid cellulose-metal network into a soft PVA/borax network to form interpenetrating networks. The obtained hydrogels showed good mechanical properties, good ionic conductivity, good transparency, and exhibited remarkable antifreezing and non-drying properties. Sensors based on the hydrogels possessed good sensitivity with a linear response factor, wide sensing range and reasonable response times, suitable for monitoring real-time human motions effectively, not only at room temperature but also under subzero temperature. Additionally, the conductive hydrogel was assembled into a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), producing a maximum open-circuit voltage of 135 V and a short-circuit current of 1.7 μA. The TENG with self-charging system can light up 20 light-emitting diodes and also charge a capacitor to power a digital timer. Additionally, as-prepared hydrogels can be assembled into self-powered sensors-based on TENGs for biomechanical monitoring. Thermally reversible interactions enable the recyclability of hydrogels to reduce environmental impacts. This work demonstrates great potential of multifunctional and recyclable hydrogels in artificial skin, wearable smart electronics and human-machine interaction.
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