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In-situ localised alignment assisted salting-out enhanced ionogels with high strength, toughness and impact resistance

Author

Listed:
  • Zhentao Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Min Sang

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Zimu Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Yucheng Pan

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Jianpeng Wu

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Shilong Duan

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

  • Xinglong Gong

    (University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
    University of Science and Technology of China (USTC))

Abstract

Ionic gels have promise in a range of applications but are limited in extreme environments. Here, we report a method for preparation of an ionic gel with improved mechanical properties, through the formation of a micro-orientated structure and increased crystallisation and aggregation of polymer chains. The resulting ionic gels exhibit tunable mechanical properties, including high strength (18.1–62.2 MPa), toughness (56.8–123.7 MJ m−3), modulus (18.8–187.8 MPa), and excellent impact resistance. These gels exhibit greater energy dissipation than Kevlar under comparable impact velocities. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the localised alignment assisted salting-out process enhances hydrogen bonding and chain interactions, improving structural stability. This strategy is also effective in other polymer systems, such as PAAM hydrogels, demonstrating broad applicability. Overall, this approach greatly enhances the mechanical and protective performance of ionic gels for demanding applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhentao Zhang & Min Sang & Zimu Li & Yucheng Pan & Jianpeng Wu & Shilong Duan & Xinglong Gong, 2025. "In-situ localised alignment assisted salting-out enhanced ionogels with high strength, toughness and impact resistance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63148-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63148-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mutian Hua & Shuwang Wu & Yanfei Ma & Yusen Zhao & Zilin Chen & Imri Frenkel & Joseph Strzalka & Hua Zhou & Xinyuan Zhu & Ximin He, 2021. "Strong tough hydrogels via the synergy of freeze-casting and salting out," Nature, Nature, vol. 590(7847), pages 594-599, February.
    2. Liang Peng & Huarong Peng & Steven Wang & Xingjin Li & Jiaying Mo & Xiong Wang & Yun Tang & Renchao Che & Zuankai Wang & Wei Li & Dongyuan Zhao, 2023. "One-dimensionally oriented self-assembly of ordered mesoporous nanofibers featuring tailorable mesophases via kinetic control," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Meixiang Wang & Xun Xiao & Salma Siddika & Mohammad Shamsi & Ethan Frey & Wen Qian & Wubin Bai & Brendan T. O’Connor & Michael D. Dickey, 2024. "Glassy gels toughened by solvent," Nature, Nature, vol. 631(8020), pages 313-318, July.
    4. Xiangnan He & Biao Zhang & Qingjiang Liu & Hao Chen & Jianxiang Cheng & Bingcong Jian & Hanlin Yin & Honggeng Li & Ke Duan & Jianwei Zhang & Qi Ge, 2024. "Highly conductive and stretchable nanostructured ionogels for 3D printing capacitive sensors with superior performance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
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