Transparent, anti-freezing and highly stretchable solid-state ionic conductors. Issue 5 (10th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhuang, Mengdi; Bao, Yiwen; Chen, Juncheng; Xu, Hangxun
• Is Part Of: Polymer chemistry. Volume 14:Issue 5(2023)
• Page Start: 608
• Page End: 615
• Publication Date: 2023-01-10
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1039/d2py01448c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9954

Abstract

Abstract : Solid-state stretchable ionic conductors with enhanced mechanical strength and toughness without compromising the ionic conductivity were fabricated by seamlessly incorporating layered double hydroxide nanosheets into a poly(ionic liquid) matrix. Abstract : Stretchable ionic conductors show great promise for various applications including electronic skins, soft robotics, energy storage devices, actuators, and bio-integrated electronics. Solid-state ionic conductors do not suffer from the dehydration or liquid leakage problems that are typically encountered in hydrogels or ionogels, providing a promising platform for fabricating soft electronics with enhanced stability. However, the design and fabrication of solid-state ionic conductors with high ionic conductivity and excellent mechanical robustness still remain a great challenge. Here, we report a novel synthesis strategy toward the fabrication of solid-state stretchable ionic conductors by seamlessly incorporating layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets into a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) matrix. In this manner, the LDH nanosheets can form effective electrostatic interactions with the PIL chains, leading to the formation of solid-state ionic conductors with enhanced mechanical strength and toughness without compromising the ionic conductivity. The resultant PIL-LDH composite with an optimal LDH content exhibits high stretchability (>600%), ultra-low temperature tolerance (−81 °C), excellent transparency, and superior ionic conductivity (>3 mS cm −1 ). Wearable strain and pressure sensors were further demonstrated using the newly developed solid-state ionic conductors to monitor a variety of mechanical deformations with high sensitivity and durability. This study offers a new strategy toward the fabrication of high-performance solid-state ionic conductors for soft and wearable electronics that can stably function under extreme conditions.