Abstract

Hydrogels often exhibit irreproducible electrochemical properties despite similar mechanical properties. This work uses ultra-light graphene flakes as tracers, experimental current-time measurements, and multiphysics/molecular-dynamics simulations to show that convection during free-radical polymerization and electric-field-driven orientation/diffusion contribute to internal structural non-uniformity. The authors propose the Virginia Creeper model and a Stumbling-to-Fetters mechanism for ion diffusion in hydrogels, and demonstrate an application in a bionic cardiovascular system.

Abstract

Hydrogels often exhibit irreproducible electrochemical properties despite similar mechanical properties. This work uses ultra-light graphene flakes as tracers, experimental current-time measurements, and multiphysics/molecular-dynamics simulations to show that convection during free-radical polymerization and electric-field-driven orientation/diffusion contribute to internal structural non-uniformity. The authors propose the Virginia Creeper model and a Stumbling-to-Fetters mechanism for ion diffusion in hydrogels, and demonstrate an application in a bionic cardiovascular system.

Abstract

Hydrogels often exhibit irreproducible electrochemical properties despite similar mechanical properties. This work uses ultra-light graphene flakes as tracers, experimental current-time measurements, and multiphysics/molecular-dynamics simulations to show that convection during free-radical polymerization and electric-field-driven orientation/diffusion contribute to internal structural non-uniformity. The authors propose the Virginia Creeper model and a Stumbling-to-Fetters mechanism for ion diffusion in hydrogels, and demonstrate an application in a bionic cardiovascular system.

Abstract

Hydrogels often exhibit irreproducible electrochemical properties despite similar mechanical properties. This work uses ultra-light graphene flakes as tracers, experimental current-time measurements, and multiphysics/molecular-dynamics simulations to show that convection during free-radical polymerization and electric-field-driven orientation/diffusion contribute to internal structural non-uniformity. The authors propose the Virginia Creeper model and a Stumbling-to-Fetters mechanism for ion diffusion in hydrogels, and demonstrate an application in a bionic cardiovascular system.