Zwitterionic hydrogels formed via quadruple hydrogen-bonds with ultra-fast room-temperature self-healing ability

Abstract A novel self-healing zwitterionic hydrogel was, for the first time, designed and prepared by integrating 2-ureido-4[1H] pyrimidinone (UPy) units into the macromolecular chains of a zwitterionic polymer. The prepared UPy-containing zwitterionic hydrogel can autonomously repair occurring incisions or cracks within 1 min at room temperature without the need for any stimulus. The ultra-fast self-healing zwitterionic hydrogel provides a new pathway for constructing smart materials for both experimental research and industrial production.