Nanochitin/metal ion dual reinforcement in synthetic polyacrylamide network-based nanocomposite hydrogels.

•Nanochitin/Zn2+ dual reinforcement in polyacrylamide-based hydrogel was studied.•Zn2+-mediated nanochitin transient network in the hydrogel was investigated.•The hydrogel shows superior mechanical properties and self-recovery performance.•The hydrogel demonstrates broad potential in drug release and soft bioelectronics.