Self-Healable and Flexible Vitrimeric Poly(vinyl alcohol) Ionogels Enabled by B–N Coordinated Boronic Ester Bonds

Ionogels, with their unique combination of solid-state properties and high ionic conductivity, have emerged as promising materials for various applications. However, their vulnerability to environmental changes and mechanical stress has driven research toward tough and self-healable ionogels. To date, self-healable ionogels have been primarily based on physical interactions. However, this approach is constrained by inherent limitations, notably the lack of mechanical strength, and chemcial stability. Consequently, recent research has shifted toward vitrimeric ionogels, which exploit dynamic covalent bonds to enhance stability and facilitate self-healing. In this study, a vitrimeric ionogel synthesized through the acetylation of PVA with B–N coordinated boronic ester bearing dialdehyde cross-linker (BN-DA), facilitated by an acidic ionic liquid without catalyst. The resulting material exhibits robust mechanical strength, excellent ionic conductivity, and stability against heat and solvents. Notably, by incorporating B–N coondinated boronic ester bonds, hydrogen bonds, and ionic interaction into the ionogel network, it demonstrates self-healing capabilities at ambient temperatures and is thermally reprocessable while maintaining its original mechanical properties. These attributes render it an ideal candidate for electronic devices requiring durability and adaptability under diverse conditions.