High-Strength, High-Swelling-Resistant, High-Sensitivity Hydrogel Sensor Prepared with Wood That Retains Lignin

In this study, we displayed the preparation of highly dimensional stable wood/polyacrylamide hydrogels (wood/PAM-Al3+). The alkali-treated wood retains lignin as the skeleton of the hydrogel. Second, Al ions were added to the metal coordination with lignin. Finally, by employing free radical polymerization, we construct a conductive electronic network using polyaniline within the wood/PAM-Al3+ matrix to create the flexible sensor. This approach leverages lignin's integrated structure within the middle lamella to provide enhanced swelling resistance and stronger binding strength in the transverse direction. Furthermore, coordination between lignin and Al ions improves the mechanical strength of the wood hydrogel. Polyaniline provides stable linear pressure and temperature responses. The wood/PAM-Al3+ exhibits a transverse swelling ratio of 3.90% while achieving a longitudinal tensile strength of 20.5 MPa. This high-strength and high-stability sensor is capable of monitoring macroscale human behavior. Therefore, this study presents a simple yet innovative strategy for constructing tough hydrogels while also establishing an alternative pathway for exploring lignin networks in new functional materials development.PMID:38381837 | DOI:10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01228

Source: Biomacromolecules - February 21, 2024 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Xiangzhen Meng Jing Zhou Xin Jin Changlei Xia Shanyu Ma Shu Hong John Tosin Aladejana Anran Dong Yujia Luo Jianzhang Li Xianxu Zhan Rui Yang Source Type: research