High-performance double-network ionogels enabled by electrostatic interaction
Yawen Zhang, Li Chang, Peiru Sun, Ziquan Cao, Yong Chen, Hongliang Liu
Abstract
electrostatic interaction between mechanically robust charged gel double networks and conductive ionic liquids. Ionogels based on charged polymer networks (with electrostatic interaction) exhibit obvious higher optical transmittance, ionic conductivity, and better mechanical properties compared with those based on neutral polymer networks (without electrostatic interaction). Ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the ionogels can also be regulated by the double-network structure of the gels. We further develop an ionic skin sensor with the high-performance ionogels used as ionic conductors, which can exhibit excellent sensing performance even under harsh conditions. We envision that this new class of high-performance ionogels would be an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogels, and would extend the applications of ionic conductors to extreme environments.