Affiliation:
1. Research Center for Green Energy Systems, Department of Mechanical, Smart, and Industrial Engineering (Mechanical Engineering Major), Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Owing to their physical and chemical properties and stimuli-responsive nature, gels and hydrogels play vital roles in diverse application fields. The three-dimensional polymeric network structure of hydrogels is considered an alternative to many materials, such as conductors, ordinary films, constituent components of machines and robots, etc. The most recent applications of gels are in different devices like sensors, actuators, flexible screens, touch panels, flexible storage, solar cells, batteries, and electronic skin. This review article addresses the devices where gels are used, the progress of research, the working mechanisms of hydrogels in those devices, and future prospects. Preparation methods are also important for obtaining a suitable hydrogel. This review discusses different methods of hydrogel preparation from the respective raw materials. Moreover, the mechanism by which gels act as a part of electronic devices is described.
Funder
Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement (KAIA) grant funded by the Korea government (MOLIT)(Development of Marine Bridges Operation using Green Energy).