Japanese Researchers Pioneer Tough Ionogels for Flexible Electronics
Tokyo, Friday, 15 August 2025.
New ionogels with high tensile strength and toughness provide advancements in wearable flexible electronics, maintaining electrical signals even under 1000% strain, surpassing previous limitations.
Introducing Innovative Ionogels
The development of ultra-tough ionogels is poised to revolutionize the landscape of flexible electronics by addressing the common limitations associated with traditional ionogels—specifically poor mechanical strength and low toughness[1]. These innovative ionogels, engineered by researchers affiliated with institutions such as Fujian Normal University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as Wood K Plus in Austria, display remarkable properties, enhancing their potential applications in consumer and industrial electronics[1].
Unraveling the Science Behind Ionogels
At the core of this advancement is the bicontinuous-phase structure, synthesized through a one-step copolymerization method involving acrylic acid and a zwitterionic monomer (SPP)[1]. This method not only enhances the material’s mechanical attributes but also ensures compatibility with ionic liquids necessary for flexible electronics. The ionogel’s tensile strength reaches 7.77 MPa, while its toughness achieves 40.24 MJ/m³ and its fracture energy stands at 37.27 kJ/m²—a significant improvement compared to existing ionogels[1].
Implications for Flexible Electronics
The resilience of these new ionogels under extreme conditions is further demonstrated by their ability to maintain stable electrical signals even under strains of up to 1000%[1]. Coupled with their adhesion properties and notch insensitivity, they emerge as ideal candidates for wearable sensors that require direct skin contact, crucial for biological monitoring and consumer electronics[1].
Future Prospects and Global Impact
These ionogels have the potential to transform multiple industries, from medical devices to consumer electronics, by enabling 3D printing of flexible sensors with unprecedented precision and reliability. As demand for such innovative materials grows, further developments and partnerships between international research institutions and industries are anticipated, leveraging the full potential of these discoveries[1].