Sequential deformations of patterned hydrogels into 3D configurations with multilevel structures are reported, which are realized for the first time in self‐shaping materials. The periodically patterned single‐layer hydrogels with different polymers are fabricated by multi‐step photolithography. After swelling in water, the expansion of compartmentalized high‐swelling gels is constrained by the dispersed non‐swelling gels, resulting in out‐of‐plane buckling with high cooperativity and thus forming alternating concave–convex configuration. When the dispersed non‐swelling gels are partly replaced by thermoresponsive ones, the preformed overall flat, yet locally undulant, hydrogel deforms further into dome‐, saddle‐, or sandglass‐like configurations at elevated temperature. As such, multilevel 3D structures can be achieved via prebuilt mechanical/geometric cues in a sequentially controlled manner. This conceptual design and sequential deformation of patterned hydrogels to form 3D configurations with multilevel structures should enrich the deformation/functioning modes of morphing materials and broaden their applications in diverse areas.

中文翻译：

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顺序控制的图案化水凝胶变形为具有多级结构的3D配置

据报道，图案化水凝胶按顺序变形为具有多级结构的3D构型，这是首次在自成型材料中实现。通过多步光刻技术可以制备出具有不同聚合物的周期性图案化单层水凝胶。在水中溶胀后，分隔的高溶胀凝胶的膨胀受到分散的非溶胀凝胶的限制，从而导致具有高协同性的平面外屈曲，从而形成交替的凹凸结构。当将分散​​的非溶胀凝胶部分替换为热响应性凝胶时，预成型的整体平坦但局部不波纹的水凝胶在高温下会进一步变形为圆顶，鞍形或沙漏形。因此，多层3D结构可以通过预构建的机械/几何提示以顺序控制的方式实现。图案化水凝胶的这种概念设计和顺序变形以形成具有多层结构的3D构造，应丰富变形材料的变形/功能模式，并拓宽其在不同领域中的应用。