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Dynamic bonds transform ion transport mechanisms in polymeric covalent adaptable networks
Mohammad Rezayani1, Farhad Sharif1, Hesam Makki2
1Department of Polymer and Color Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, 424 Hafez Ave., Tehran, Iran. sharif@aut.ac.ir.
Materials Horizons
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Dynamic covalent bonds in polymer networks create temporary pathways for enhanced ion transport, improving conductivity without compromising mechanical integrity in solid polymer electrolytes.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Solid polymer electrolytes are crucial for advanced battery technologies.
- Traditional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) networks face limitations in ion conductivity and mechanical stability.
- Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer a potential solution by incorporating dynamic bonds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the ion transport mechanisms in PEO-based CANs.
- To compare the ion conductivity behavior of CANs with static PEO networks.
- To understand how dynamic covalent bonds influence ion mobility and network structure.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations to model ion transport.
- Analyzing the role of reversible bond breaking and reformation.
- Investigating network topology and pore distribution changes.
Main Results:
- Dynamic covalent bonds create transient "corridors" for lithium-ion movement.
- Ion mobility increased up to 2.8-fold in dense CANs compared to static networks.
- Dynamic bonding enhances ion transport by inducing local rearrangements and reversible gates, not by altering overall pore distribution.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic covalent bonds offer a novel mechanism to enhance ion transport in solid polymer electrolytes.
- This approach improves ion conductivity while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the polymer network.
- PEO-based CANs present a promising material platform for next-generation energy storage devices.
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