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Bioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Duke University)

  • Xianchen Xu

    (Duke University)

  • Heng Deng

    (China University of Geosciences
    China University of Geosciences)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhigang Wang & Haotian Hu & Zefan Chai & Yuhang Hu & Siyuan Wang & Cheng Zhang & Chunjie Yan & Jun Wang & Wesley Coll & Tony Jun Huang & Xianchen Xu & Heng Deng, 2025. "Bioinspired hydrophobic pseudo-hydrogel for programmable shape-morphing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56291-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56291-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yue Zhang & Kangkang Liu & Tao Liu & Chujun Ni & Di Chen & Jiamei Guo & Chang Liu & Jian Zhou & Zheng Jia & Qian Zhao & Pengju Pan & Tao Xie, 2021. "Differential diffusion driven far-from-equilibrium shape-shifting of hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
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