Physically entangled multifunctional eutectogels for flexible sensors with mechanically robust

Abstract

Ionically conducting eutectogels have gained popularity as temperature-tolerant and cost-effective substitutes for hydrogels and ionogels in flexible electronic devices. In this study, mechanically robust eutectogels with antibacterial properties were fabricated using a facile one-step process that relied solely on the physical entanglement of polymer chains. At low initiator concentrations, the vinyl monomers underwent radical polymerization in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), forming physically entangled and transparent eutectogels. The eutectogels exhibited excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and fracture energy of 8.04 MPa, 620.5%, and 28.69 ± 2.23 MJ m⁻³, respectively), a strong adhesion force, excellent ionic conductivity (0.43 ± 0.07 S m⁻¹), and remarkable resistance to freezing and drying (−20 to 80 °C). Moreover, the eutectogels possessed superior self-healing abilities at room temperature without the need for external stimuli. As sensors, the fabricated eutectogels exhibited high sensitivity, thereby enabling the precise, real-time, and stable monitoring of human activities. The eutectogels have promising applications in wearable technology, healthcare devices, and human–computer interfaces.