Supramolecular-Engineered Bamboo Lignin Polymer with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrical Properties for Flexible Electronics

Ionogels have emerged as a groundbreaking category of materials for flexible electronics, yet the challenge of integrating high mechanical stretchability, rapid electrical response, and reliable self-repair in bio-based ionogels persists. Here, a lignin-derived ionogel is presented, designated P(LA-TA)-gel, through a straightforward, one-step solvent-free process. By leveraging arginine-grafted lignin-terminated polythioctic acid and incorporating imine and hydroxyl groups into the supramolecular framework, the P(LA-TA)-gel with both dynamic disulfide bonds and supramolecular hydrogen bonds achieves effective energy dissipation channels. This configuration adeptly balances mechanical stretchability—exhibiting a strain of 1233%—with dynamic reversibility, evidenced by an adhesion strength of 335.5 kPa. Notably, the P(LA-TA)-gel showcases rapid response characteristics, achieving a response time of 0.1 s, along with high ionic conductivity of 17.36 mS cm −1 and robust self-healing capabilities exceeding 90%. When utilized in flexible sensors, this ionogel demonstrates a wide response range and high sensitivity. This study establishes a sustainable platform for the development of next-generation flexible sensors and highlights significant potential applications across wearable electronics, electronic skin technology, and soft robotics.