Shape Persistent, Highly Conductive Ionogels from Ionic Liquids Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystal Network

Shape-persistent, conductive ionogels where both mechanical strength and ionic conductivity are enhanced are developed using multiphase materials composed of cellulose nanocrystals and hyperbranched polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) as a mechanically strong supporting network matrix for ionic liquids with an interrupted ion-conducting pathway. The integration of needlelike nanocrystals and PIL promotes the formation of multiple hydrogen bonding and electrostatic ionic interaction capacitance, resulting in the formation of interconnected networks capable of confining a high amount of ionic liquid (approximate to 95 wt%) without losing its self-sustained shape. The resulting nanoporous and robust ionogels possess outstanding mechanical strength with a high compressive elastic modulus (approximate to 5.6 MPa), comparable to that of tough, rubbery materials. Surprisingly, these rigid materials preserve the high ionic conductivity of original ionic liquids (approximate to 7.8 mS cm(-1)), which are distributed within and supported by the nanocrystal network-like rigid frame. On the one hand, such stable materials possess superior ionic conductivities in comparison to traditional solid electrolytes; on the other hand, the high compression resistance and shape-persistence allow for easy handling in comparison to traditional fluidic electrolytes. The synergistic enhancement in ion transport and solid-like mechanical properties afforded by these ionogel materials make them intriguing candidates for sustainable electrodeless energy storage and harvesting matrices.

Automated summary

Shape-persistent and conductive ionogels with enhanced mechanical strength and ionic conductivity are developed using a multiphase material composed of cellulose nanocrystals and hyperbranched polymeric ionic liquids. These ionogels possess outstanding mechanical strength and high compressive elastic modulus, while preserving the high ionic conductivity of original ionic liquids. The synergistic enhancement in ion transport and solid-like mechanical properties make these ionogels promising candidates for sustainable electrodeless energy storage and harvesting matrices.