Graphene–polymer hydrogels with stimulus-sensitive volume changes Original Research Article

The reversible stimulus-responsive volume change in graphene materials has never been realized, due to the irreversible restacking or agglomeration of graphene sheets. In this study, the graphene–polymer hydrogel with reversible volume changes has been prepared by a hydrothermal method. It has good electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength and a tunable electrical conductivity. The hydrogel exhibits reversible volume changes in response to an electric current, which makes it a potential candidate for artificial muscle devices.