Fast photothermal poly(NIPAM-co-ß-cyclodextrin) supramolecular hydrogel with self-healing through host-guest interaction for intelligent light-controlled switches.

A graphene oxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-ß-cyclodextrin) (GO/poly(NIPAM-co-ß-CD)) hydrogel has been synthesized through host-guest interaction between ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) and the isopropyl group of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The product exhibits rapid responses to the stimuli of temperature and near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, self-healing properties, and excellent mechanical properties. The host-guest interaction serves as the main physical cross-linker, while a hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group of ß-CD, GO sheets and amide group of NIPAM acts as a secondary cross-linker. The volume phase transition temperature and NIR response rate of such a hydrogel are controlled by its contents of ß-CD and GO. The obtained hydrogels showing excellent properties might be applied in remote contactless control devices in advanced smart technologies. Based on the excellent characteristics of the hydrogels, remote light-controlled switches have been designed, and more applications will be explored, such as intelligent light-controlled drivers and soft robots.