Self-Healable and Tough Polymer Electrolyte Composites Based on Associative Nanostructural Networks

Abstract

The development of reversible nanostructural associations in graft copolymer architecture has enabled the fabrication of tough polymer electrolyte composites that exhibit autonomous self-healing properties at room temperature. Random copolymers comprising docosyl acrylates (A22) were employed to form network structures in ionic liquids. The behavior of the resulting composites was found to be dictated by associative domain formation and subsequent changes in the intermolecular interactions. Remarkable mechanical properties were achieved without undermining the self-healing capability via adjustments in the chemical structure. This feature is recognizably different considering the conventional trade-off relationship between selfhealing and mechanical properties. Thermal and scattering experiments were conducted to elucidate the structural evolution of the composites. The relative changes in the electrical properties upon mechanical deformation were utilized to realize self-healable strain sensors.

Dynamic Covalent Bond Network-Based Carbon Nanocomposite for a Self-Healing Tactile Sensor

“…However, understanding of polymer materials based on dynamic covalent bonds and their advanced applications is still limited despite their high potential for development. Furthermore, due to the recent introduction of other substances to dynamic binding chain polymers, composite materials with self-healing functions have been developed for new applications. − Bao’s group manufactured a composite material using an oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding and nickel nanoparticles, developed a system capable of self-healing with improved electrical conductivity, and applied it as artificial skin …”

Thermally Reprocessable Self-Healing Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes

“…Dynamic covalent chemistry, which combines the stability of covalent bonds with the reversibility of noncovalent bonds, is a powerful tool for designing chemically recyclable and self-healing polymers. , Commonly, gel polymer electrolytes have been prepared by mixing a dynamic covalent polymer with some additives. The polymer matrix provides the self-healing and chemical recycling function, and the additives such as plasticizers with lithium salts facilitate the transport of lithium ions. , Some ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as suitable plasticizers such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis­(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)­imide ([EMIM]­[TFSI]), due to their good ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability . However, a high amount of the plasticizer can impair the thermal stability, reduce the mechanical strength, and most importantly increase the risk of safety hazards.…”

“…The polymer matrix provides the selfhealing and chemical recycling function, and the additives such as plasticizers with lithium salts facilitate the transport of lithium ions. 19,20 Some ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as suitable plasticizers such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][TFSI]), due to their good ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. 21 However, a high amount of the plasticizer can impair the thermal stability, reduce the mechanical strength, and most importantly increase the risk of safety hazards.…”