Advances in preparation, design strategy and application of electroactive hydrogels

Electroactive hydrogels, which exhibit intelligent deformation in response to electric fields, have garnered significant attention as potential actuating materials for flexible sensors, smart devices, soft actuators, and artificial muscles. In the process of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, electroactive hydrogels can achieve efficient energy conversion and charge transfer due to their porous structure, high water solubility, flexibility, and electrical conductivity. However, the limited performance of single-functional electroactive hydrogels severely hampers their development prospects. To expand the application areas of these gels in self-powered devices, smart response devices, and other directions, there is a need to design electroactive hydrogels with multiple properties. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the mechanism and preparation strategies of electroactive hydrogels in response to electric fields. We also discuss the design strategy for electroactive hydrogels with multiple properties and provide an overview of the current progress in their applications. Furthermore, we analyze the role and advantages of electroactive hydrogels. Finally, we address the existing problems in electroactive hydrogel research and offer suggestions to solve them, and we hope that this design idea will inspire readers and researchers in the field.