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3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene hydrogels: relating structure and charge transport in supramolecular gels

Title: 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene hydrogels: relating structure and charge transport in supramolecular gels
Authors: Salter, LCB
Wojciechowski, JP
Mclean, B
Charchar, P
Barnes, PRF
Creamer, A
Doutch, J
Barriga, HMG
Holme, MN
Yarovsky, I
Stevens, MM
Item Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Ionic charge transport is a ubiquitous language of communication in biological systems. As such, bioengineering is in constant need of innovative, soft, and biocompatible materials that facilitate ionic conduction. Low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) are complex self-assembled materials that have received increasing attention in recent years. Beyond their biocompatible, self-healing, and stimuli responsive facets, LMWGs can be viewed as a “solid” electrolyte solution. In this work, we investigate 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) as a capping group for a small peptide library, which we use as a system to understand the relationship between modes of assembly and charge transport in supramolecular gels. Through a combination of techniques including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), NMR-based Van’t Hoff analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), rheology, four-point probe, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we found that modifications to the peptide sequence result in distinct assembly pathways, thermodynamic parameters, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivities. Four-point probe conductivity measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy suggest that ionic conductivity is approximately doubled by programmable gel assemblies with hollow cylinder morphologies relative to gels containing solid fibers or a control electrolyte. More broadly, it is hoped this work will serve as a platform for those working on charge transport of aqueous soft materials in general.
Issue Date: 9-Apr-2024
Date of Acceptance: 5-Mar-2024
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/112759
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01360
ISSN: 0897-4756
Publisher: American Chemical Society
Start Page: 3092
End Page: 3106
Journal / Book Title: Chemistry of Materials
Volume: 36
Issue: 7
Copyright Statement: © 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0.
Publication Status: Published
Online Publication Date: 2024-03-25
Appears in Collections:Materials
Physics
Bioengineering
Experimental Solid State
Faculty of Natural Sciences



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