POS5-1417
Modulating Ionic Hydration States via Hydrogel Network Architecture for Controlled Solvation
Topic
S5. Polymers for Electronics and Photonics
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
Juyoung Kang (Hong Chul Moon)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Advanced Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs) demand highly responsive, high-fidelity transduction platforms capable of precise stimulus discrimination. Soft ionic sensors, utilizing mobile ions as charge carriers to mimic biological signaling pathways, offer a promising framework for translating physical tactile stimuli into electronic signals. However, because these platforms rely on diffusion-mediated conduction, achieving precise, deterministic control over internal ionic transport has remained a fundamental challenge. Here, we address this limitation by engineering the macromolecular network of an ion-conductive hydrogel to modulate ionic transport. By precisely tailoring the hydrogel's internal architecture, we establish defined transport channels that modulate by the ionic hydration states of mobile charge carriers. This spatial restriction of hydration shells directly alters the solvation environment and transport pathways, enabling simultaneous achievement of highly robust electromechanical properties and mechanical integrity. This design strategy provides a highly tunable platform for next-generation wearable tactile interfaces, facilitating the realization of adaptive, high-performance HMIs.
