Ultrafast underwater self-healing piezo-ionic elastomer via dynamic hydrophobic-hydrolytic domains

Ultrafast underwater self-healing piezo-ionic elastomer via dynamic hydrophobic-hydrolytic domains

08 March 2024 | Zhengyang Kong, Elvis K. Boahen, Dong Jun Kim, Fenglong Li, Joo Sung Kim, Hyukmin Kweon, So Young Kim, Hanbin Choi, Jin Zhu, Wu Bin Ying, Do Hwan Kim
The study presents an ultrafast underwater self-healing piezo-ionic elastomer (MESHPIE) inspired by the self-healing properties and mechanosensitive ion channels of cephalopod suckers. The material is designed with dynamic hydrophobic-hydrolytic domains, incorporating hydrophobic C–F groups and hydrolytic boronate ester bonds. This design enables outstanding self-healing efficiencies in both air (94.5%) and water (89.6%) with remarkable pressure sensitivity (18.1 kPa−1). The integration of MESHPIE into an underwater submarine demonstrates its potential for underwater robotics and human-machine interactions. The material's self-healing capabilities are attributed to the synergistic effect of hydrophobic interactions and boronate ester bond hydrolysis, while its mechanosensitive piezo-ionic dynamics are facilitated by ion-dipole interactions between C–F groups and ionic liquid (IL) cations. The device's performance is validated through pressure-induced tactile sensing and LED modulation, showcasing its potential for practical applications in soft electronics and underwater environments.The study presents an ultrafast underwater self-healing piezo-ionic elastomer (MESHPIE) inspired by the self-healing properties and mechanosensitive ion channels of cephalopod suckers. The material is designed with dynamic hydrophobic-hydrolytic domains, incorporating hydrophobic C–F groups and hydrolytic boronate ester bonds. This design enables outstanding self-healing efficiencies in both air (94.5%) and water (89.6%) with remarkable pressure sensitivity (18.1 kPa−1). The integration of MESHPIE into an underwater submarine demonstrates its potential for underwater robotics and human-machine interactions. The material's self-healing capabilities are attributed to the synergistic effect of hydrophobic interactions and boronate ester bond hydrolysis, while its mechanosensitive piezo-ionic dynamics are facilitated by ion-dipole interactions between C–F groups and ionic liquid (IL) cations. The device's performance is validated through pressure-induced tactile sensing and LED modulation, showcasing its potential for practical applications in soft electronics and underwater environments.
Reach us at info@study.space