Zirconium Hydroxide Cross-linked Nanocomposite Hydrogel with High Mechanical Strength and Fast Electro-Response

Electro-responsive hydrogel actuators have attracted considerable interest because of their low power usage and accurately modulated capability. However, they still have disadvantages such as their poor mechanical strength and low Young's modulus. Here, we present a polymer hydrogel actuator showing high mechanical tensile strength (2 MPa) and Young's modulus (1.2 MPa). This polymer hydrogel was cross-linked by the zirconium hydroxide nanoparticles, exhibiting fast and notable response to the electric signals. Furthermore, the bending direction could be reversed by turning the electric field orientation, and the actuation angle, and actuation rate could be modulated through altering the composition of hydrogel. This developed polymer hydrogel actuator is expected to be an attractive candidate for the next-generation smart microfluidic valves and soft robotics.