Performance Comparison of Traditional, Nanopolymerized, and Entangled Belousov−Zhabotinsky Self‐Oscillating Gels

Abstract Belousov−Zhabotinsky (BZ) self‐oscillating gels exhibit periodic volumetric swelling−deswelling, providing the basis for autonomous soft robots without external control. However, traditional BZ self‐oscillating gels suffer from degradation and slow chemo−mechanical response. Here, three types of BZ self‐oscillating gels were prepared by adjusting the monomer/crosslinker ratio and using N‐isopropylacrylamide nanogels as crosslinker. Compared with traditional gels, the toughness of nanopolymerized and entangled gels was markedly improved and their response to the Ru (III)/Ru (II) alternation was accelerated. The three self‐oscillating gels showed different periodic responses in a BZ reaction solution. Entangled gels, as a result of their greater spatial uniformity in energy dissipation and enhanced interconnection between mesopores, respectively, showed the longest lifetime and shortest chemo‐mechanical oscillation delay. The synthesis of tougher and faster responding entangled gels expands the function and application of BZ self‐oscillating gels.