To date, only one polymer can self grow to an extended length beyond its original size at room temperature without external stimuli or energy input paving the way for significant advancements in untethered autonomous soft robotics but only freshly prepared samples in an initial state can self-grow. Here, the authors propose a strategy to rejuvenate non-fresh samples to their initial state for on demand self-growth through the synergistic effects of solvents and dynamic covalent bonds during swelling.
- Hongtu Xu
- Huan Liang
- Yan Ji
