Stretchable, Self-Healing, and Remodelable Ionogel via In Situ Phase Separation as a Highly Sensitive Multimode Sensor
Jianfei Tie, Zhiping Mao, Linping Zhang, Yi Zhong, Hong Xu
Abstract
An ionogel with high mechanical performance, self-healing ability, adhesion, and remodelability is designed via a simple one-pot process. In situ phase separation occurred and enhanced the ionogel in the process of ultraviolet (UV)-induced polymerization based on the low solubility of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in ionic liquids. The degree of in situ phase separation can be regulated by the varying content of AA. By virtue of the admired performance, the resulting ionogel can detect not only mechanical strain or pressure signals to monitor external changes but also joint movements and even subtle changes in a person’s facial expressions with high sensitivity. In addition, it can be applied in a temperature sensor and exhibits a wide temperature detection range (0–120 °C) and a low threshold detection (0.1 °C). Therefore, the ionogels hold broad application prospects in flexible sensors, human–machine interfaces, and other fields.