Ion conducting elastomer designed from thiourea-based dynamic covalent bonds with reprocessing capability

Developing ion conducting elastomer (ICE) that possesses reprocessing capability is highly desirable to avoid resource wastage and environmental crises. However, elastomers with covalent cross-linking are difficult to reprocess due to their thermosets properties. To address this challenge, a thiourea-based dynamic covalent network was employed to design the ICE. An analysis of the interaction between the lithium salt and the polymer chain resulted in the selection of LiTFSI. Furthermore, the finding from the analysis confirmed that not only the formation but also the behavior of the dynamic covalent network was affected by the interactions between the polymer chain and lithium salts. The resulting dynamic covalent elastomer can be repeatedly reprocessed through various methods (hot-press and solution processes) and exhibits proper dimensional stability and ionic conductivity (similar to 4.6 x 10(-4) S/cm at 25 degrees C). (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Developing ion conducting elastomers (ICE) with reprocessing capability is important for resource conservation and environmental protection. However, elastomers with covalent cross-linking are challenging to reprocess due to their thermoset properties. To overcome this challenge, a thiourea-based dynamic covalent network was utilized to design the ICE. The analysis of the interaction between lithium salt and polymer chain led to the selection of LiTFSI. It was found that the dynamic covalent network's formation and behavior were influenced by the interaction between the polymer chain and lithium salts. The resulting dynamic covalent elastomer can be reprocessed through various methods and exhibits dimensional stability and ionic conductivity. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.