State-of-the-Art Conductive Hydrogels

Dear Colleagues,

Conductive hydrogels, a unique class of materials merging the properties of hydrogels and electrical conductivity, have emerged as a focal point of intense scientific and technological exploration. These hydrogels, characterized by their three-dimensional network structure capable of retaining large amounts of water, have the remarkable ability to conduct electrical signals, which sets them apart from traditional hydrogels.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of conductive hydrogels. Novel synthesis routes have been devised, enabling the precise control of their microstructure and composition. This has led to the creation of hydrogels with enhanced conductivity, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. For example, the incorporation of conductive nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and conductive polymers into the hydrogel matrix has been a prevalent strategy to boost their electrical performance.

The application potential of conductive hydrogels spans across multiple disciplines. In the biomedical field, they are being explored for use in biosensors, where they can detect various biological analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity. They also hold great promise for tissue engineering, as they can mimic the extracellular matrix environment and provide electrical stimulation to promote cell growth and tissue regeneration. In addition, in the realm of soft robotics, conductive hydrogels can act as actuators, responding to electrical signals with mechanical deformations, enabling the development of more flexible and adaptable robotic systems.

The continuous pursuit of better performing conductive hydrogels is driven by the need to overcome the limitations of existing materials and technologies. Conventional materials often struggle to combine the desired mechanical flexibility, high water content, and efficient electrical conductivity. There is a pressing demand for practical, reliable, and multifunctional conductive hydrogels that can meet the requirements of diverse applications.

For this Special Issue, we invite you to contribute original research or comprehensive review articles. We encourage submissions that offer novel insights into the design, synthesis, and characterization of conductive hydrogels. Articles demonstrating their innovative applications in emerging fields such as wearable electronics, environmental sensing, and energy storage are also highly welcome.

We aim to showcase a rich tapestry of research efforts from around the world. By presenting a wide range of strategies and findings, we hope to provide readers with a profound understanding of the cutting-edge developments in the field of conductive hydrogels. This will not only highlight the remarkable achievements but also help in identifying the remaining challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions, which will undoubtedly enrich this Special Issue and further inspire advancements in the exciting domain of conductive hydrogels.

Prof. Dr. Jie Du
Guest Editor

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• conductive hydrogels
• synthesis routes
• microstructure control
• conductive nanomaterials
• biomedical applications
• biosensors
• tissue engineering
• soft robotics
• wearable electronics
• environmental sensing