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

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.