High Strength and Toughness Polymeric Triboelectric Materials Enabled by Dense Crystal-Domain Cross-Linking.

Cai, Chenchen; Meng, Xiangjiang; Zhang, Lixin; Luo, Bin; Liu, Yanhua; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Song; Wang, Jinlong et al. · Nano Lett · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Lightweight, easily processed, and durable polymeric materials play a crucial role in wearable sensor devices. However, achieving simultaneously high strength and toughness remains a challenge. This study addresses this by utilizing an ion-specific effect to control crystalline domains, enabling the fabrication of a polymeric triboelectric material with tunable mechanical properties. The dense crystal-domain cross-linking enhances energy dissipation, resulting in a material boasting both high tensile strength (58.0 MPa) and toughness (198.8 MJ m<sup>-3</sup>), alongside a remarkable 416.7% fracture elongation and 545.0 MPa modulus. Leveraging these properties, the material is successfully integrated into wearable self-powered devices, enabling real-time feedback on human joint movement. This work presents a valuable strategy for overcoming the strength-toughness trade-off in polymeric materials, paving the way for their enhanced applicability and broader use in diverse sensing applications.