Mechanically robust, ion-conductive, self-healing glassy hybrid materials via tailored Zn/imidazole interaction

Simultaneously achieving mechanical properties and rapid self-healing under ambient conditions is challenging because of slow diffusion dynamics. Here, we report the design of self-healing hybrids composed of low molecular mass multifunctional silsesquioxane nanoparticles with cross-linked networks formed from non-covalent metal-ligand interactions to address this challenge. Carefully tuning the bond dynamics and strength by changing the counterions and metal-ligand feed ratio enables rapid self healing and robust mechanical properties (tensile strength = 14.9 MPa and elongation at break = 4.36%) with ion conductivity. Static tensile behavior and rheological response of hybrids revealed dynamic interactions. The hybrids without entanglement can heal from a physical cut at room temperature with a healing efficiency of approximately 90%. This molecular design strategy provides a versatile pathway for the production of self-healing hybrid materials with excellent mechanical properties. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study introduces a self-healing hybrid system composed of low molecular weight multifunctional silsesquioxane nanoparticles and cross-linked networks formed from non-covalent metal-ligand interactions. By tuning the dynamics and strength of the bonds, rapid self-healing and robust mechanical properties with ion conductivity were achieved. This molecular design strategy provides a versatile pathway for the production of self-healing hybrid materials with excellent mechanical properties.