Abstract
This overview aims to summarize the existing potential of “Ionogels” as a platform to develop stimuli responsive materials. Ionogels are a class of materials that contain an Ionic Liquid (IL) confined within a polymer matrix. Recently defined as “a solid interconnected network spreading throughout a liquid phase”, the ionogel therefore combines the properties of both its solid and liquid components. ILs are low melting salts that exist as liquids composed entirely of cations and anions at or around 100 °C. Important physical properties of these liquids such as viscosity, density, melting point and conductivity can be altered to suit a purpose by choice of the cation/anion. Here we provide an overview to highlight the literature thus far, detailing the encapsulation of IL and responsive materials within these polymeric structures. Exciting applications in the areas of optical and electrochemical sensing, solid state electrolytes and actuating materials shall be discussed.
Highlights
The concept of a chemical sensor is one in which a material is used as a sensing agent and exhibits a selective interaction with a target species or analyte [1,2]
In this case the responsive chemistry of the ionogel facilitated the current flow toward the electrodes, which in turn caused a change in the optical properties of the device
A publication based on a similar concept by Topal et al detailed the increased selectivity of zinc phthalocyanines to pH when incorporated into imidazolium ionogels [83]
Summary
The concept of a chemical sensor is one in which a material is used as a sensing agent and exhibits a selective interaction with a target species or analyte [1,2]. Previous reviews focused on the interaction and mobility of the IL within the polymer network [14] This overview will complement these reviews by focusing on the application of ionogels as functional materials for direct application as sensing and actuation agents. Our group in particular have detailed the use of ionogels to produce opto/electronic sensors for transition metal ions [15,16], as the basis of electrochromic devices [17], as actuating materials for controlling fluid movement [18] as reference electrodes [19], and building biosensing platforms [20] This overview will present the current status of the use of ionogels in these areas, beginning first with an introduction to the area of ILs themselves
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