Ion rectification based on gel polymer electrolyte ionic diode

Abstract

Biological ion channels rely on ions as charge carriers and unidirectional ion flow to produce and transmit signals. To realize artificial biological inspired circuitry and seamless human-machine communication, ion-transport-based rectification devices should be developed. In this research, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are assembled to construct a novel ionic diode, enabling ion rectification through ion-diffusion/migration that emulates biological systems. This ion rectification results from the different diffusion/migration behaviors of mobile ions transporting in the GPE heterojunction. The electrical tests of the GPE heterojunction reveal outstanding rectifying ratio of 23.11. The GPE ionic diode operates in wide temperature window, from −20 °C (anti-freezing) to 125 °C (thermal tolerance). The absence of redox reactions is verified in the cyclic voltammogram. The GPE ionic diodes are used to construct ionic logic gates for signal communication. Furthermore, rectification of a triboelectric nanogenerator and potential for synaptic devices are demonstrated.

Nanochannel‐Based Ion Transport and Its Application in Osmotic Energy Conversion: A Critical Review

“…An elevated temperature can accelerate ion movement and promote the above dissociation reactions, thus influencing the ion transport behavior. [ 87 ]…”

“…An elevated temperature can accelerate ion movement and promote the above dissociation reactions, thus influencing the ion transport behavior. [87] Ionic rectification can be further adjusted by kinetic factors, including convective flow and scan rate. As a well-known concept, fluid convective flow induced by a pressure gradient generally causes a decrease in the rectification ratio, which is attributed to the changed ion distribution inside nanochannels, as observed in conical nanochannels.…”

Solvent‐Free and Skin‐Like Supramolecular Ion‐Conductive Elastomers with Versatile Processability for Multifunctional Ionic Tattoos and On‐Skin Bioelectronics

“…Inspired by the electrical conduction mechanism of human skin, numerous hydrogels and ionogels with ionic conductance have been exploited as ion‐conductive materials for the development of ionic skins (I‐skins). [ 27–62 ] Meanwhile, paintable hydrogels have also been demonstrated to fabricate tattoo‐like epidermal electronics, [ 38 ] which can be termed as “ionic tattoos (I‐tattoos)” as the counterpart of E‐tattoos. However, the inevitable dehydration problem of hydrogels significantly hinders their practical applications as ultrathin I‐tattoos.…”

Soluble and Processable Single-Crystalline Cationic Polymers

“…Post-functionalization by anion exchange and the solution processing of the PSCs into gels renders them candidates as super-hydrophobic materials for environmental remediation 54,55 as well as finding potential application as gel polymer electrolytes. 56 ■ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Design and Synthesis of the Monomer. It remains a major challenge to tailor the structure of a monomer in order to control its packing in a single crystal suitable for topochemical polymerization.…”

“…The high crystallinity and good solubility of the polymeric crystals enable their full characterization both in the solid state by X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy and in the solution phase by NMR spectroscopy. Post-functionalization by anion exchange and the solution processing of the PSCs into gels renders them candidates as super-hydrophobic materials for environmental remediation , as well as finding potential application as gel polymer electrolytes …”