Bioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing

Zhigang Wang, Haotian Hu, Zefan Chai, Yuhang Hu, Siyuan Wang, Cheng Zhang, Chunjie Yan, Jun Wang, Wesley Coll, Tony Jun Huang, Xianchen Xu () and Heng Deng ()
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Zhigang Wang: China University of Geosciences
Haotian Hu: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Zefan Chai: China University of Geosciences
Yuhang Hu: China University of Geosciences
Siyuan Wang: Nanjing Agricultural University
Cheng Zhang: Nanjing Agricultural University
Chunjie Yan: China University of Geosciences
Jun Wang: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Wesley Coll: Duke University
Tony Jun Huang: Duke University
Xianchen Xu: Duke University
Heng Deng: China University of Geosciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Inspired by counterintuitive water “swelling” ability of the hydrophobic moss of the genus Sphagnum (Peat moss), we prepared a hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel (HPH), composed of a pure hydrophobic silicone elastomer with a tailored porous structure. In contrast to conventional hydrogels, HPH achieves absorption-induced volume expansion through surface tension induced elastocapillarity, presenting an unexpected absorption-induced volume expansion capability in hydrophobic matrices. We adopt a theoretical framework elucidating the interplay of surface tension induced elastocapillarity, providing insights into the absorption-induced volume expansion behavior. By systematically programming the pore structure, we demonstrate tunable, anisotropic, and programmable absorption-induced expansion. This leads to dedicated self-shaping transformations. Incorporating magnetic particles, we engineer HPH-based soft robots capable of swimming, rolling, and walking. This study demonstrates a unusual approach to achieve water-responsive behavior in hydrophobic materials, expanding the possibilities for programmable shape-morphing in soft materials and soft robotic applications.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56291-1

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