Super Resolution mediated direct visualization of spatial heterogeneities in bulk PNIPAM hydrogels

Spatial heterogeneities have deleterious effects on the mechanical and transport properties of bulk gels. In the past, insights into the structure of heterogeneities have often been achieved in thermoresponsive gel networks due to their inherently larger length scales within these systems. Here, we report on a super resolution mediated structural study of spatial heterogeneities within bulk PNIPAM hydrogels. Our study reveals new structural insights that diverge from established models for variations in crosslink distributions within heterogeneous thermosresponsive gel systems. These results are expected to provide a more general framework for the description of spatial heterogeneities within such systems.