Multiple non-covalent interactions for mechanically robust and electrically detachable liquid-free poly(ionic liquids) ionoadhesives

Ionoadhesives hold great potentials for detachment and replacement of bonding components by virtue of the interfacial electrochemistry reactions of ion carriers, but previous ionoadhesives suffer from liquid leakage and conflict between mechanical properties and ionic conductivity. Here, a liquid-free and nanophase separated poly(ionic liquids) ionoadhesive (PIA) is designed through establishing multiple non-covalent interactions (NCIs) including weak ion–dipole interactions, moderate lithium bonds and strong electrostatic interactions. As a result, the physical crosslinked networks in PIAs are effectively strengthened that ensures the mechanical performances under static state; the breaking-reforming events of the multiple NCIs are beneficial for dissipating energy to resist external deformations that endows the PIAs with outstanding dynamic stability; the multiple NCIs also induce the orientation of nanophases that enables the PIAs to be reinforced via cyclic mechanical training. Benefiting from the high ionic conductivity, the PIAs exhibit extraordinary electrically detaching behavior under DC voltages since the occurrence of rapid interfacial electrochemistry reactions that facilitates the formation of gases and nanoparticles at the bonding interfaces. This work proposes a new rational design of electrically detachable ionoadhesives with excellent comprehensive performances that demonstrate great potentials in recycle and reuse of the bonding components and reduce the waste of industrial resources.