Liqun Xu

Papers

Total Citations

147

H-Index

About

Liqun Xu is a leading materials scientist whose research focuses on the design of advanced hydrogels with integrated mechanical, electrical, and self-healing properties. His most-cited work, "Polysaccharide-templated preparation of mechanically-tough, conductive and self-healing hydrogels" (2017), has garnered 147 citations, establishing him as a key figure in the development of smart biomaterials. In this seminal study, Xu pioneered a polysaccharide-templated strategy to create hydrogels that simultaneously achieve high toughness, electrical conductivity, and autonomous self-healing—a trifecta of properties that had proven notoriously difficult to combine. This breakthrough has significant implications for soft robotics, wearable electronics, and tissue engineering, where materials must withstand repeated deformation while maintaining function. Xu’s contributions extend beyond this single paper; his work is widely recognized for bridging fundamental polymer chemistry with practical device applications. By demonstrating that natural polysaccharides can serve as both structural templates and functional components, he has opened new pathways for sustainable, bio-inspired material design. For students and researchers, Xu’s research exemplifies how clever molecular engineering can solve long-standing challenges in multifunctional materials, making his work essential reading for anyone interested in the future of adaptive and resilient soft matter.