Ultra‐Tough and Recyclable Ionogels Constructed by Coordinated Supramolecular Solvents
Lingling Li, Weizheng Li, Xiaoliang Wang, Xiuyang Zou, Sijie Zheng, Ziyang Liu, Qingning Li, Qunmeng Xia, Feng Yan
Abstract
Abstract The mechanical properties of most hydrogels (ionogels) are considerably affected by covalently cross‐linked networks. However, the interactions between solvent/solvent molecules and solvent/polymer chains are usually ignored. Herein, a series of ultra‐tough ionogels were prepared via a supramolecular solvent, halometallate ionic liquid, in which cations and coordinating anions form a 3D supramolecular network. The linear polymer chains are physically cross‐linked with supramolecular solvents synergistically enhancing the strength (14.3 MPa), toughness (78 MJ m −3 ), and Young's modulus (55 MPa) of ionogels, effectively dispersing the stress concentration under load, and obtaining better fatigue resistance and higher fracture energy (198 kJ m −2 ). Furthermore, the reversible cross‐linking enables green recovery and recycling of ionogels, simply by water. This strategy shows broad applicability based on a variety of supramolecular solvents and coordinatable polymers.