Polyacrylamide/Chitosan-Based Conductive Double Network Hydrogels with Outstanding Electrical and Mechanical Performance at Low Temperatures

Hydrogel-based electronics have received growing attention because of their great flexibility and stretchability. However, the fabrication of conductive hydrogels with high stretchability, excellent toughness, outstanding sensitivity, and low-temperature stability still remains a great challenge. In this study, a type of conductive hydrogels consisting of a double network (DN) structure is synthesized. The dynamically cross-linked chitosan (CS) and the flexible polyacrylamide network doped with polyaniline constitute the DN through the hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl, amide, and aniline groups. This type of hydrogels displays excellent mechanical performance, striking conductivity, and remarkable freezing tolerance. The flexible electronic sensors based on the double-network hydrogels demonstrate superior strain sensitivity and linear response on various deformations. Additionally, the good antifreezing property of the hydrogels allows the sensors to exhibit excellent performance at -20 degrees C.