Nacre‐Inspired Coordination Networks for Transparent, Ultra‐Stable Polyimide Films in Flexible Electronics
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract The development of high‐performance colorless polyimides (CPIs) demands a paradigm shift to overcome the mutual exclusivity of optical transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. Drawing inspiration from nacre's hierarchical coordination motifs, a biomimetic strategy is presented that integrates molecular engineering with Zn 2+ ‐mediated crosslinking. Six pyridine‐containing diamines are synthesized to suppress charge transfer complexes and copolymerized with 6FDA, forming tunable polyimide backbones. Subsequent Zn 2 ⁺ coordination generates a dynamic N─Zn─N network, which rigidifies chains and delivers synergistic enhancements: an excellent T g of 338.5 °C (+16.6%), ultralow charge transfer complexes of 45.8 ppm K⁻¹ (−20.6%), and tensile strength of 138 MPa (+46.8%) while retaining 89.3% transmittance. The film enable cytocompatible wearable sensors with 38 ms response times and stable signal output after 10 000 bending cycles. Moreover, its relevance to foldable ACEL devices highlights the potential for industrial scalability. This work reimagines CPI design through coordination chemistry, offering a blueprint for multifunctional polymers in next‐generation electronics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Synthesis and properties of polymers · Polymer composites and self-healing · Dielectric materials and actuators
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology School of Emergent Soft Matter Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Chemistry and Fine Chemical Engineering Jieyang Center Jieyang 515200 China
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