Takaichi Watanabe (Okayama University): Controlled Mechanical Properties of Poly(ionic liquid)-based Ion Gels by Adding Nanomaterials
Ion gels, cross-linked polymer networks containing a large amounts of ionic liquid (IL), have shown promise as strain sensors and carbon dioxide separation (CO2) membranes due to their high ionic conductivity and CO2 absorption capacity. However, their low mechanical strength has limited practical applications. In this talk, we will present an approach to toughen ion gels by creating multi-scale networks of nanomaterials. This approach improves their strength and durability. Specifically, we will introduce how we combined nanomaterials with cross-linked poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) to make double network (DN) ion gels. We used different types of nanomaterials, such as silica nanoparticles with various surface properties[1], TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) [2], and alumina nanoparticles shaped like spheres or rods[3]. We will then discuss the key factors that determine their mechanical strength.
[1] T. Watanabe et al., Soft Matter 16, 1572 (2020)
[2] T. Watanabe et al., Soft Matter 19, 2745 (2023)
[3] Y. Mizutani et al., Soft Matter 20, 1611 (2024)