Enhanced ionic transport in ferroelectric polymer fiber mats

The limited ionic conductivity is the main issue for the application of solid-state ionic conductors. In this work, we have shown that increasing the ferroelectric phase content in a polymer matrix could enhance the molar ionic conductivity of the incorporated ionic liquid by two orders of magnitude compared to the original films with the same composition. The ferroelectric polymer fiber mats were prepared through electrospinning to induce the ferroelectric phase that ensure the polarization of the dipoles. After analyzing the ferroelectric phase content and polarization of the fiber mats and films containing different ion concentration with FTIR spectroscopy and piezoelectric characterization, a detailed mechanism explaining the improved conductivity in the ferroelectric fiber mats was proposed. Benefiting from the good flexibility, improved ionic conductivity and high temperature coefficient of the fiber mats, we fabricated an organic ionic thermistor. The temperature tracking and mapping function of the ionic thermistor was demonstrated by using two devices with 4 and 16 pixels.

Automated summary

Increasing the ferroelectric phase content in a polymer matrix can enhance the molar ionic conductivity of incorporated ionic liquid significantly. Ferroelectric polymer fiber mats were prepared to induce the ferroelectric phase and ensure the polarization of dipoles, leading to improved conductivity. An organic ionic thermistor was fabricated using these fiber mats, demonstrating temperature tracking and mapping functions.