Differential diffusion driven far-from-equilibrium shape-shifting of hydrogels

Yue Zhang, Kangkang Liu, Tao Liu, Chujun Ni, Di Chen, Jiamei Guo, Chang Liu, Jian Zhou, Zheng Jia, Qian Zhao (), Pengju Pan and Tao Xie
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Yue Zhang: Zhejiang University
Kangkang Liu: Zhejiang University
Tao Liu: Zhejiang University
Chujun Ni: Zhejiang University
Di Chen: Zhejiang University
Jiamei Guo: Zhejiang University
Chang Liu: Zhejiang University
Jian Zhou: Zhejiang University
Zheng Jia: Zhejiang University
Qian Zhao: Zhejiang University
Pengju Pan: Zhejiang University
Tao Xie: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Far-from-equilibrium (FFE) conditions give rise to many unusual phenomena in nature. In contrast, synthetic shape-shifting materials typically rely on monotonic evolution between equilibrium states, limiting inherently the richness of the shape-shifting behaviors. Here we report an unanticipated shape-shifting behavior for a hydrogel that can be programmed to operate FFE-like behavior. During its temperature triggered shape-shifting event, the programmed stress induces uneven water diffusion, which pushes the hydrogel off the equilibrium based natural pathway. The resulting geometric change enhances the diffusion contrast in return, creating a self-amplifying sequence that drives the system into an FFE condition. Consequently, the hydrogel exhibits counterintuitive two opposite shape-shifting events under one single stimulation, at a speed accelerated by more than one order magnitude. Our discovery points to a future direction in creating FFE conditions to access otherwise unattainable shape-shifting behaviors, with potential implications for many engineering applications including soft robotics and medical devices.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26464-9

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