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Non-volatile conductive gels made from deep eutectic solvents and oxidised cellulose nanofibrils
Saffron J Bryant1,2, Marcelo A da Silva1, Kazi M Zakir Hossain1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AY UK saffron.bryant@rmit.edu.au k.edler@bath.ac.uk.
Nanoscale Advances
|September 22, 2022
Summary
This study introduces novel ionogels synthesized from deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and cellulose nanofibrils (OCNF). These sustainable, biocompatible materials offer tunable conductivity for applications in wearable electronics and soft sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ionogels are promising for wearable electronics and soft sensors but often use non-renewable or non-biocompatible materials.
- Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) provide a tunable, non-volatile alternative to traditional hydrogel components.
- Cellulose nanofibrils (OCNF) offer a sustainable, biocompatible, and non-toxic gelling agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel, sustainable ionogels using DESs and OCNF.
- To explore the tunability of these ionogels for electronic and sensing applications.
- To present a versatile platform for creating conductive soft materials.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ionogels using specific DESs (choline chloride-urea, choline chloride-glycerol, betaine-glycerol) and TEMPO-oxidised cellulose nanofibrils (OCNF).
- Characterization of the resulting gels, including conductivity measurements.
- Evaluation of material properties like shear thinning behavior and tunability.
Main Results:
- Successfully created two-component ionogels from DESs and OCNF.
- Achieved conductivities up to 1.7 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature.
- Demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and tunable properties based on DES choice.
- Identified betaine-glycerol DES for more liquid-like conductive materials.
Conclusions:
- The DES-OCNF system provides a sustainable, biocompatible, and highly tunable route to ionogels.
- These materials are suitable for applications requiring soft, conductive, and adaptable components.
- The vast array of possible DESs allows for extensive customization of ionogel properties.
