Yuhong Zhang

Thermochromic hydrogels have attracted considerable attention for applications in energy-saving smart window owing to their dynamic solar transmittance modulation capability. However, achieving a combination of high mechanical strength, superior optical performance, efficient near-infrared (NIR) shielding, and photothermal conversion within a single hydrogel system remains a significant challenge. Herein, a multifunctional thermoresponsive hydrogel-based smart window (NHNC) was constructed via a simple one-pot strategy. In this system, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) served as the thermoresponsive matrix, hydroxypropyl cellulose was employed to enhance mechanical properties and regulate the phase-transition behavior through modulation of the hydrogen-bonding network, and NaCl was introduced to precisely tune the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) via the salting-out effect. Notably, CsxWO3 nanoparticles endowed the composite hydrogel with efficient broadband NIR shielding through free-carrier absorption and localized surface plasmon resonance. Owing to the synergistic regulation of these components, the as-prepared NHNC hydrogel exhibited a tunable LCST of ∼28.7 °C, high visible-light transmittance (>98%), and favorable solar modulation ability (∆Tsol = 68.12%). Meanwhile, the system maintained excellent antifreezing performance at low-temperature (−17 °C) and exhibited enhanced mechanical strength. The incorporation of CsxWO3 also endowed superior UV/NIR shielding capability. In addition, the composite hydrogel exhibited excellent thermal regulation performance and long-term operational stability. It enabled great promise for building energy savings, thermal comfort control, and visual privacy management, while also demonstrating climatic adaptability.

We report a nickel-catalyzed dimerization of 2H-azirines for the synthesis of tetraarylpyrazines (TAPs). The method supports both homo- and cross-dimerization to give unsymmetric and symmetric TAPs. Additionally, the thiophene-substituted analogue exhibits a strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Combined experimental and theoretical analyses confirm that the luminescence arises from restricted molecular motions in aggregates. Furthermore, the obtained TAPs show promise as turn-off fluorescence sensors.

Combined polyelectrolyte-mediated Hofmeister salting-out and Ca ²⁺ coordination enable strong, tough, and ionically conductive PVA/P(iAA)/Ca ²⁺ hydrogels for flexible strain sensors.

Multifunctional smart hydrogel dressings that combine diagnosis and treatment are a popular solution for the care and treatment of infectious wounds. Herein, a sandwich structure hydrogel patch (PTP) composed of tannic acid modified gelatin (TGL) as the middle layer and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel with sodium chloride and iodine (PAI/NS) as the inner and outer layer is successfully designed and assembled. The obtained PTP exhibits good mechanical performance, outstanding biocompatibility, and robust electrical conductivity. When attached to an active wound, the change of electrical signal caused by the movement of conductive ions (Na ⁺ and Cl ⁻ ) in PAI/NS would reflect the integrity and fit of the gel patch. Meanwhile, the increased temperature of the wound elicits a temperature‐activated acid‐base color reaction between TGL and PAI/NS, indicating fever and wound infection. In turn, the infection degree of the wound is monitored to guide on‐demand drug administration through photothermal antibacterial treatment. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that the PTP hydrogel patch shows a remarkable anti‐infection and pro‐healing effect. This smart hydrogel system integrates real‐time wound infection monitoring with anti‐bacterial treatment, offering a viable strategy for visual, personalized management of infected chronic wounds.