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Mechanochromic and programmable cellulose nanocrystals ionogels for dual-mode ionic skins
Wenli Dong1, Shouquan Zhan1, Xu Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China.
Researchers developed a flexible, conductive ionogel mimicking chameleon camouflage. This advanced material offers programmable color changes and electrical sensing, paving the way for smart, biomimetic skin-like applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Integrating programmable mechanical properties, tunable structural color, and ionic conductivity in one material is challenging.
- Chameleons exhibit adaptive camouflage, inspiring the development of advanced materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a conductive and mechanochromic ionogel with tunable properties.
- To mimic adaptive camouflage using a novel material system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a post-assembly solvent exchange strategy for ionogel fabrication.
- Incorporated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in a Bouligand architecture within a polyacrylamide network.
- Employed ionic liquids (ILs) as plasticizers and lubricants.
Main Results:
- Achieved a highly flexible, tough, and fatigue-resistant ionogel with high strength (0.38 MPa) and toughness (900 KJ·m⁻³).
- Demonstrated post-synthetic programmability, transitioning from an elastomer to an ultraflexible state (2400% strain) via thermal treatment or aging.
- Showcased dual-mode ionic skin functionality with strain-dependent color response (1.12 nm·%⁻¹) and reliable electrical sensing over a wide temperature range.
Conclusions:
- The developed ionogel offers a versatile platform for biomimetic skin-like materials.
- Programmable mechano-optical properties and visual feedback are key features for advanced applications.
- The hierarchical CNC Bouligand architecture and ILs synergistically enhance mechanical properties and enable programmability.
