Micropatterning various ion-based materials offers compelling advantages for functionality enhancement in iontronic pressure sensing, piezoionic mechanoreception, and skin-interfaced electrode adhesion. However, most existing patterning techniques for iontronic materials suffer from low flexibility and limited modulation capability. Herein, we propose a facile and robust method to fabricate hierarchical and asymmetrical iontronic micropatterns (denoted HAIMs) through programmed regulation of the internal stress distribution and local ionic migration among an iontronic host. The resultant primary patterns and secondary wrinkles with arbitrarily regulated morphologies and region-dependent ionic electrical performance can be readily made on an iontronic host via localized photodimerization of an anthracene-functionalized ionic liquid copolymer (denoted as An-PIL) and subsequent vapor oxidative polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). By controlling the local secretion of room temperature ionic liquid (IL) droplets and subsequently doping them into the resultant PEDOT, it was possible to modulate the surface conductivity as well as the potential gradients of the HAIM. Taking the spatiotemporal advantages of light, heat, and vapor, the morphology and electrical performance of HAIM can be modulated by programmed exposure with photomasks and polymerization time. In addition, based on the piezoionic effect within the resultant IL-doped PEDOT, HAIM can serve as a scalable iontronic potential generator. Successful syntheses of these fascinating micropatterns may provide new insights into the development of patterned iontronic materials in a flexible, programmable, and functionally adaptive form.

Fabrication of hierarchical and asymmetric iontronic micropatterns via photodimerization

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