Printable, Adhesive, and Robust Ion-Conductive Elastomers and Their Applicability as Self-Powered Multiresponse Sensors

Flexible sensors with versatile sensations and self-powered functions have received increasing attention. However, it is still a challenge to simultaneously integrate multiresponse property with other functionalities in a facile and sustainable way. Herein, we prepared a robust and stretchable composite by polymerizing acrylic acid (AAc) and a triblock copolymeric cross-linking agent, Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA), with lithium as the conductive ion. A dual cross-linking single network, containing both the physical cross-linking site assembled by oxypropylene segments on F127DA and the covalently bonded chemical cross-linking point, was constructed, which, together with synergistic hydrogen bonding between AAc and oxyethylene segments, accounts for the mechanically robust (∼8 MPa in tensile strength), highly stretchable (∼1000% elongation at break), and highly transparent properties. The high conductivity of about 10–4 S/cm is attributed to both the oxyethylene segments on F127DA and the residual bound water on network, with the latter also accounting for the antifreezing properties. The simultaneous strain and humidity sensor were developed based on this skin-like ionoelastomer, and the application in triboelectric nanogenerator further expands the material’s horizon to energy harvesting and makes it self-powered.