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Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit unique properties of good ionic conductivity, electrochemical and thermal stability, and nonflammability, which make them promising candidates for biomedical applications. The limitations of their cytocompatibility are enhanced by using bioionic liquids (BILs) derived from biological molecules such as amines, sugars, and organic acids. BILs can be synthesized using tailorable chemistries that enable their immobilization onto biopolymers. For example, the cholinium ion and its derivatives have found significant interest in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Ion‐doped BIL‐functionalized polymers and their composites can also be used to design pH and electrical responsive actuators and sensors. The cytocompatibility and low immunogenicity of BIL‐functionalized polymers enable the possibilities of their use for power storage devices as well as implantable devices. These devices are gaining recognition and importance in nucleic acid delivery and molecular medicine. This review focuses on the recent advances of BILs in biomedical applications. Specifically, the review explores BILs as agents for biopolymer functionalization and highlights BILs as solvents for supermolecular ionic networks.
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Thermo‐responsive polymers for thermal regulation in electrochemical energy devices
Abstract Thermo‐responsive polymers have been widely explored because of their diverse structures and functions in response to temperature stimuli. Great attention has been attracted to exploring and designing such polymers composites, which offer tremendous opportunities to build up a systematic understanding of their structure–function relationships and pave the ways for their extensive applications in electronics, soft robotics, and electrochemical energy storage devices. Here, we review the most recent research of thermal regulation in electrochemical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors) via thermo‐responsive polymers. We summarize how battery components (i.e., electrolytes, separators, electrodes, or current collectors) can be coupled with thermo‐responsive polymers based on different operation mechanisms, such as volume expansion, polymerization, phase reversion, and de‐doping effects, to effectively prevent catastrophic thermal runaway. Different types of thermo‐responsive polymers are evaluated to compare their key features and/or limitations. This review is concluded with perspectives of future design strategies towards more effective thermo‐responsive polymers for battery thermal regulation.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2011924
- PAR ID:
- 10449033
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Polymer Science
- Volume:
- 59
- Issue:
- 20
- ISSN:
- 2642-4150
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 2230-2245
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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