The anti-shock capability stems from the coupling of a strong bearing network and a dynamic interface, thereby achieving effective stress transfer and energy dissipation. Although hydrogels are promising candidate materials for anti-shock soft materials, simultaneously reinforcing the network and interface in hydrogels remains challenging, which limits their performance under high strain rate loads. To overcome this limitation, we developed a composite hydrogel composed of a poly(ethylene oxide) (PVA) matrix and sodium croconate nanofibers (CSNFs), using sodium citrate as a multifunctional ion coupling agent. (i) It strengthens the PVA matrix through the Hofmeister effect, (ii) strengthens the CSNF network through dissolution and electrostatic crosslinking, (iii) improves its fiber-matrix interface. By integrating the composite network and the layered microstructure, it achieves efficient stress transfer and energy dissipation. Compared to high-performance solid polymers, the composite hydrogel has superior anti-shock capabilities, with an impact strength of 426.7 megapascals, an impact energy of 106.4 megajoules, and excellent tensile properties (tensile strength: 54.2 megapascals; strain at break: 590%) within 7000 seconds⁻¹. Through molecular-level experiments and simulation analysis, this study establishes ion coupling as a simple and effective strategy for achieving highly anti-shock composite hydrogels, expanding the potential of soft materials in impact protection, damping, and energy absorption. This research was published in Advanced Materials under the title "Superior Impact-Resistant Composite Hydrogels Through an Ionic Coupling Strategy".
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DOI: 10.1002/adma.73010