Applications of Functional Polymeric Eutectogels

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. Vol. 45; no. 21; pp. e2400405 - n/a
• Main Authors: Nicolau, Alma, Mutch, Alexandra L., Thickett, Stuart C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.11.2024
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; Adhesive strength; Adhesives - chemistry; biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Bonding strength; Crosslinking; deep eutectic solvents (DES); Design; eutectogels; Gels; Gels - chemistry; Hydrogen bonding; Material properties; organic electronics; Polymerization; Polymers - chemistry; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Resins; Solvents; Solvents - chemistry; Three dimensional printing; Viscosity; Wearable Electronic Devices; wearable sensors; eutectogels; deep eutectic solvents (DES); wearable sensors; biomaterials; organic electronics
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400405

Over the past two decades, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have captured significant attention as an emergent class of solvents that have unique properties and applications in differing fields of chemistry. One area where DES systems find utility is the design of polymeric gels, often referred to as “eutectogels,” which can be prepared either using a DES to replace a traditional solvent, or where monomers form part of the DES themselves. Due to the extensive network of intramolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding) and ionic species that exist in DES systems, polymeric eutectogels often possess appealing material properties—high adhesive strength, tuneable viscosity, rapid polymerization kinetics, good conductivity, as well as high strength and flexibility. In addition, non‐covalent crosslinking approaches are possible due to the inherent interactions that exist in these materials. This review considers several key applications of polymeric eutectogels, including organic electronics, wearable sensor technologies, 3D printing resins, adhesives, and a range of various biomedical applications. The design, synthesis, and properties of these eutectogels are discussed, in addition to the advantages of this synthetic approach in comparison to traditional gel design. Perspectives on the future directions of this field are also highlighted. Polymeric eutectogels are prepared either by using a DES to replace a traditional solvent, or where monomers form part of the DES themselves. Polymeric eutectogels often possess appealing material properties: high adhesive strength, tuneable viscosity, good conductivity, and flexibility. These have led to the development of applications including organic electronics, wearable sensor technologies, 3D printing resins, biomedical devices, and adhesives.