Ionic supramolecular networks fully based on chemicals coming from renewable sources

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Development of novel soft materials with tunable properties is crucial for advanced applications.
• Bio-based and naturally derived components offer sustainable alternatives in materials synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize new supramolecular ionic networks using a bio-based diamine and natural carboxylic acids.
• To investigate the thermoreversible and self-healing properties of these novel networks.
• To evaluate their potential for applications requiring viscoelastic and conductive materials.

Main Methods:

• Proton transfer reaction between Priamine 1074 and various carboxylic acids (malonic, citric, tartaric, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid).
• Rheological analysis to determine elastic modulus and thermoreversible transition temperatures (Tnl).
• Assessment of self-healing capabilities and ionic conductivity measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of supramolecular ionic networks with a bio-based fatty diamine.
• Observation of thermoreversible solid-to-liquid transitions (Tnl between -10 and 60 °C).
• Demonstration of elastic behavior at low temperatures/high frequencies (modulus 4.5 × 10^6–4.5 × 10^7 Pa).
• The citrate-based network exhibited room-temperature self-healing and ionic conductivity near 10^-6 S cm^-1.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized supramolecular ionic networks possess tunable thermoreversible and self-healing properties.
• The use of bio-based and natural components presents a sustainable approach to soft material development.
• These materials show promise for applications in areas such as self-healing coatings, soft actuators, and ion-conductive electrolytes.