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Transparent, super stretchable, freezing-tolerant, self-healing ionic conductive cellulose based eutectogel for
Wei Chen1, Jing Ma2, Dehai Yu3
1College of Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, China; State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China.
Researchers developed a novel, eco-friendly cellulose-based eutectogel using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). This material offers tunable conductivity, high stretchability, and excellent antifreezing properties, making it ideal for advanced sensors and wearable devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional nanocellulose fabrication methods raise environmental concerns.
- Developing advanced materials with enhanced mechanical and conductive properties is crucial for next-generation electronics.
- Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer a sustainable alternative for dissolving and processing biopolymers like cellulose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a non-toxic, low-cost cellulose-based eutectogel using a DES.
- To investigate the effect of cellulose incorporation on eutectogel properties.
- To explore the potential applications of the developed material in sensors and electronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Dissolution of cellulose using a ZnCl2/H2O/H3PO4 deep eutectic solvent (DES).
- Free-radical polymerization of acrylamide to form the eutectogel network.
- Characterization of the eutectogels' mechanical, conductive, optical, and thermal properties.
Main Results:
- The cellulose-based eutectogels (DCEs) exhibited ultra-high stretchability (4086%) and toughness (261.3 MJ/m³).
- Adjustable ionic conductivity (0.9–1.64 S/m) and high stretching sensitivity (Gauge factor = 5.4) were achieved.
- The DCEs demonstrated high transparency (>85%), excellent antifreezing performance (<-80°C), and multi-stimuli responsiveness (temperature, strain, pressure).
Conclusions:
- The developed DES-cellulose-based eutectogels offer a sustainable and cost-effective route to high-performance materials.
- These eutectogels show significant promise for applications in multifunctional sensors, artificial skin for soft robots, and flexible electroluminescent devices.
- The study highlights the potential of DES-assisted processing for advancing cellulose-based material applications.
