Development of an Ionic Conductive Elastomer from the Photocopolymerization of a Ternary Polymerizable Deep Eutectic Solvent for Human Motions Sensing.

Abstract

Polymerizable deep eutectic solvents (PDES) represent a novel class of ionic liquids characterized by the presence of polymerizable groups in their hydrogen-bond donor or acceptor components. Within the realm of flexible electronics, PDES is emerged as a promising material for the fabrication of sensors that exhibit both flexibility and stretchability. This research employs the UV-initiated photocopolymerization of a ternary PDES composed of choline chloride (ChCl), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and itaconic acid (IA), to synthesize an ionic conductive elastomer (ICE) that boasts desirable comprehensive performances, which can be controlled by meticulously adjusting the ratios of these components. The fabrication process is streamlined and efficient, utilizing cost-effective and eco-friendly materials. This elastomer exhibits favorable ionic conductivity (1.70 × 10^-2-5.45 × 10^-2 S m^-1), mechanical strength (0.48-1.21 MPa stress at break, 395-701% elongation at break), adhesion capacity (49-120 kPa adhesion strength), and sensing sensitivity toward human motions.