Ionoelastomers, consisting of low glass-transition polyelectrolyte networks, represent soft and stretchable ionic analogs of electronic semiconductors. We have recently studied two different types of electro-mechanical behavior at heterojunctions formed by contacting ionoelastomer layers of opposite polarity. In the first case, we demonstrated that such junctions provide reversibly switchable electro-adhesion. Thanks to the nanometer-scale thickness of the ionic double layer, large Maxwell stresses and corresponding enhancements in adhesion can be generated using applied potentials of only 1 – 3 V, in contrast to the kV levels generally required for established dielectric electro-adhesives. This leads to superior performance in terms of adhesive force per electrostatic energy, as well as damage resistance. In the second case, we found that mechanical deformation of a bilayer sample provides transient electrical signals associated with rearrangement of polymer strands and counterions within the ionic double layer. This effect provides a new mechanism for electrical strain sensing and energy harvesting.

Electro-mechanically responsive ionoelastomer heterojunctions

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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