Two dimensional MoS2 accelerates mechanically controlled polymerization and remodeling of hydrogel
Jian Wang1, Zhijun Han1, Longfei Zhang1, Ran Ding1, Chengqiang Ding1, Kai Chen1, Zhao Wang1,2,3,4(王召)*
1College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
2State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
3Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
4Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Nat. Commun.2025, 16, 1689
Abstract: Self-remodeling material can change their physical properties based on mechanical environment. Recently, mechanically controlled polymerization using mechanoredox catalyst enabled composite materials to undergo a permanent structural change, thereby enhancing their mechanical strength. However, a significant delay in material’s response was observed due to the sluggish activation of the bulk catalyst for polymerization. Herein, we report a fast, mechanically controlled radical polymerization of water soluble monomers using 2D MoS2 as the mechanoredox catalyst, studied under various mechanical stimuli, including ultrasound, ball milling and low frequency vibrations. Our strategy enables complete polymerization within several minutes of work. This accelerated process can be utilized to create composite hydrogels with the ability to alter their mechanical and electrical properties in response to mechanical stimuli. This strategy has potential for applications in smart materials such as hydrogel sensors, artificial muscles, and implantable biomaterials.
Article information: //doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57068-2
