Solvent‐Independent 3D Printing of Organogels

Abstract

AbstractOrganogels are polymer networks extended by a liquid organic phase, offering a wide range of properties due to the many combinations of polymer networks, solvents, and shapes achievable through 3D printing. However, current printing methods limit solvent choice and composition, which in turn limits organogels' properties, applications, and potential for innovation. As a solution, a method for solvent‐independent printing of 3D organogel structures is presented. In this method, the printing step is decoupled from the choice of solvent, allowing access to the full spectrum of solvent diversity, thereby significantly expanding the range of achievable properties in organogel structures. With no changes to the polymer network, the 3D geometry, or the printing methodology itself, the choice of solvent alone is shown to have an enormous impact on organogel properties. As demonstrated, it can modulate the thermo‐mechanical properties of the organogels, both shifting and extending their thermal stability range to span from ‐30 to over 100 °C. The choice of solvent can also transition the organogels from highly adhesive to extremely slippery. Finally, the method also improves the surface smoothness of prints. Such advances have potential applications in soft robotics, actuators, and sensors, and represent a versatile approach to expanding the functionality of 3D‐printed organogels.