Carbon nanomaterials have been the centre of intensive research because of their unique structure and technologically useful properties. We herein review the effect of the nanomaterials on the morphology and mechanical and functional properties of composite hydrogels, by critically examining the nanomaterial dispersion in aqueous media and their interaction with polymer matrices. We focus on synthesis methods and the mechanical, electrical and swelling properties of the hydrogels with emphasis on cross-linking techniques and structure-property relations. The nanomaterial properties and fabrication techniques are briefly discussed highlighting advantages and limitations. This review outlines the current challenges and opportunities to effectively utilizing carbon nanomaterials for polymer hydrogels. The output of such materials would be valuable to soft materials scientists and composite engineers, as well as those working on water-soluble, synthetic polymers.

碳纳米材料由于其独特的结构和技术上的实用性而成为密集研究的中心。本文中，我们通过严格检查纳米材料在水性介质中的分散性及其与聚合物基质的相互作用，回顾了纳米材料对复合水凝胶的形态以及机械和功能特性的影响。我们专注于水凝胶的合成方法以及机械，电和溶胀特性，重点是交联技术和结构-性质关系。简要讨论了纳米材料的特性和制造技术，突出了优点和局限性。这篇综述概述了有效利用碳纳米材料用于聚合物水凝胶的当前挑战和机遇。