Fabrication of robust transparent hydrogel with stretchable, self-healing, easily recyclable and adhesive properties and its application

Preparation of robust materials with excellent properties is paramount importance for development of portable/wearable electronic devices. Here, we have designed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sucrose (Suc) hydrogel by a facile one-step procedure. PVA/Suc hydrogel is transparent, stretchable, self-healing, easily recyclable and adhesive. The excellent performance of PVA/Suc hydrogel can be attributed to reversible hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonding between PVA and Suc was evidenced by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. As a demonstration of its application, the PVA/Suc hydrogel was investigated as substrate for conductor. In particular, when polyaniline (PANI) hydrogel was coated on the surface of PVA/Suc hydrogel, a flexible solid-state capacitor with promising electrochemical capacitance can be assembled. The results of our study reveal the PVA/Suc hydrogel is suitable substrate for conductor and electrolyte for flexible solid-state capacitor.