Gelatin-strengthened elastomer derived from polymerizable deep eutectic solvent for soft ionotronics

Abstract

It is widely recognized that resolving the trade-off between mechanical toughness and recyclability in elastomers presents a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel gelatin-strengthened, supramolecular cross-linked elastomer (PCCA-G) synthesized through in situ photo-polymerization of a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) system composed of choline chloride and acrylic acid. The research highlights the dual benefits of integrating gelatin into the PDES system in the absence of covalent cross-linker, notably enhancing mechanical properties and recycle ability. The PCCA-G3 % elastomers demonstrate exceptional transparency with a transmittance of 95.4 %, robust mechanical strength (approximately 4.99 MPa), and substantial strain capacity (1169 %). These properties make the elastomers ideal for loading-bearing sensor applications, capable of monitoring various human motions with high accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, the elastomers exhibit outstanding recycle properties via a simple solvation-evaporation process, maintaining performance after multiple cycles. This work addresses the critical need for environmental-friendly materials potentially reducing the ecological impact of widespread sensor usage. The adaptable nature of these materials also positions them as promising candidates for future developments in sensor technology and soft ionotronics.