Preparation schemes and applications of multifunctional PVA composite hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels, known for their high water content, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties, have broad applications in drug delivery, sensors, and flexible electronics. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, a widely used synthetic hydrogel, stands out for its excellent mechanical properties, adjustable crosslinking, and non-toxic nature. However, traditional preparation methods of PVA hydrogels face challenges such as poor control over crosslinking density and limited stability, which hinder their use in high-performance applications like biomedical materials and sensors. To address these issues, this review examines recent advancements in the preparation, enhancement, and application of PVA-based composite hydrogels. It covers innovative preparation schemes such as freeze-casting, the Hofmeister effect, mechanical training, and solvent substitution, which improve properties like fatigue resistance, conductivity, anti-freezing, self-healing, and biocompatibility properties. The review also highlights emerging applications of PVA composite hydrogels in electronics sensors, smart responsive materials, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and evaporators, showcasing their potential in various fields. Finally, we highlight some of the current challenges faced by PVA composite hydrogels in various application fields and provide an outlook on future research directions.