From grape seed extracts to extremely stable strain sensors with freezing tolerance, drying resistance and anti-oxidation properties

Conductive hydrogels were fascinating stretchable conductive materials that have found widespread application in electronic skin, wearable sensors and soft robots. Nonetheless, similar to conductive materials, conductive hydrogels experience severe performance degradation in strong UV environments and cold, dry climates, which severely restricts their practical applications. Using grape seed extract polymer (GSP), sodium chloride (NaCl), and a DMSO/ water binary solvent system, a type of hydrogel with a variety of fascinating multifunctional properties was quickly fabricated. The presence of GSP and NaCl endows hydrogel materials with remarkable UV-blocking (∼82%), DPHH radical scavenging ability (∼76.33%) and conductivity, allow them to be utilized as sensors. In addition, a DMSO/water binary solvent provides the hydrogel with superior long-term drying resistance and freezing tolerance, as well as excellent stretchability (>300%) and good conductivity even at − 23 °C. This work investigates the potential of dynamic plant catechol chemistry in the field of hydrogel materials and anticipates that it will enable flexible sensors capable of adjusting to a variety of complex environments.