Wavelength-selective Tough and Recyclable Photochromic Hydrogels Based on Competitive UV Energy Harvesting for Specific UVB Detector

Ting Ye; Hai-Bo Xiang; Meng-Xia Huang; Zi-Yuan Zhang; Kai-Rong Zang; Hong Wang; Jian Chen

doi:10.1007/s10118-026-3861-9

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Wavelength-selective Tough and Recyclable Photochromic Hydrogels Based on Competitive UV Energy Harvesting for Specific UVB Detector

RESEARCH ARTICLE | Updated：2026-11-05

- Wavelength-selective Tough and Recyclable Photochromic Hydrogels Based on Competitive UV Energy Harvesting for Specific UVB Detector
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science Vol. 44, Pages: 1-11(2026)
- Affiliations：
  
  a.Key Laboratory of Theoretical Organic Chemistry and Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Controllable Preparation and Functional Application of Fine Polymers, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
  b.Sanya Institute of Hunan University of Science and Technology, Sanya 572024, China
- Author bio：
  
  whgxily@gmail.com (H.W.)
  cj0066@gmail.com (J.C.)
- Funds：
- DOI：10.1007/s10118-026-3861-9
  CLC：
- Received：11 August 2026，
  
  Accepted：25 August 2026，
  
  Online First：05 November 2026，
  
  Published：2026-09
- Accepted：
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Ye, T.; Xiang, H. B.; Huang, M. X.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zang, K. R.; Wang, H.; Chen, J. Wavelength-selective tough and recyclable photochromic hydrogels based on competitive UV energy harvesting for specific UVB detector. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3861-9

Ting Ye, Hai-Bo Xiang, Meng-Xia Huang, et al. Wavelength-selective Tough and Recyclable Photochromic Hydrogels Based on Competitive UV Energy Harvesting for Specific UVB Detector[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 441-11.
Ye, T.; Xiang, H. B.; Huang, M. X.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zang, K. R.; Wang, H.; Chen, J. Wavelength-selective tough and recyclable photochromic hydrogels based on competitive UV energy harvesting for specific UVB detector. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3861-9 DOI：

Ting Ye, Hai-Bo Xiang, Meng-Xia Huang, et al. Wavelength-selective Tough and Recyclable Photochromic Hydrogels Based on Competitive UV Energy Harvesting for Specific UVB Detector[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 441-11. DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3861-9.

摘要

Abstract

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation plays a dual role in human health by promoting vitamin D synthesis and causing skin and ocular damage upon excessive exposure. However

the development of specific visual UVB sensors remains challenging. Herein

we report tough and recyclable photochromic hydrogels (PHs) by integrating engineered photochromic nanoparticles

which contain a diarylethene derivative (DTE) and a UV absorber (Trz)

into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels through a synergistic freeze-casting and salting-out strategy. Benefiting from the competitive UV absorption relationship between DTE and Trz

PHs exhibited selective responses to UVB while effectively suppressing interference from UVA. The photochromic nanoparticles exhibited a low UVB detection limit of 0.024 W/m

rapid and highly reversible photoswitching

excellent photofatigue resistance over multiple switching cycles

and outstanding thermal and storage stabilities. By regulating the Trz content

the response thresholds of the nanoparticles can be precisely programmed

enabling visually distinguishable and dose-dependent color transitions over different UVB exposure intervals. Moreover

the PHs exhibited excellent mechanical performance

with a tensile strength of up to 22.29 MPa

remarkable flexibility

load-bearing capability

and recyclability without noticeable degradation of mechanical properties. Finally

a wearable wristband assembled from multiple hydrogel sensing units with programmable response thresholds was fabricated

which converts cumulative UVB exposure into discrete and highly distinguishable color states corresponding to different minimum erythema dose (MED) levels. This strategy offers a new platform for multi-molecule-based UV sensing

with potential applications in personal photoprotection and environment

al monitoring.

关键词

Keywords

references

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