Balancing mechanical-thermal-electrical properties in cellulose ionogels via crystallization-induced molecular assembly

Xiaona Li, Zhihan Tong, Yuxuan Qiu, Zihao Zheng, Suqing Zeng, Dawei Zhao () and Haipeng Yu ()
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Xiaona Li: Northeast Forestry University
Zhihan Tong: Northeast Forestry University
Yuxuan Qiu: Northeast Forestry University
Zihao Zheng: Northeast Forestry University
Suqing Zeng: Northeast Forestry University
Dawei Zhao: Northeast Forestry University
Haipeng Yu: Northeast Forestry University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Cellulose-based ionogels are promising for flexible electronics and energy devices, yet their performance is often constrained by the trade-offs among mechanical robustness, ionic conductivity, and thermal stability. Here, we propose a synergistic strategy that integrates dual-ions complexation with crystallization-induced molecular assembly to fabricate a cellulose ionogel. This strategy results in a comprehensive ionogel (noted as Cry-gel) with high mechanical strength (2.3 MPa in tension and 5.3 MPa in compression) and high ionic conductivity (96.8 mS cm−1). Moreover, the Cry-gel can maintain impressive structural stability across a temperature range of −40 to 80 °C. Flexible thermoelectric devices and smart sensors derived from Cry-gels demonstrate a voltage of 0.28 V at a temperature gradient of 60 K, an impressive Seebeck coefficient of 6 mV K−1, and high sensitivity to pressure, temperature, touch, and human pulse. This work provides a paradigm for creating multifunctional sustainable materials, effectively bridging the gap between high-performance ionogels and their applications in cutting-edge bioelectronics and energy harvesting systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64966-y

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