Dynamic bonds transform ion transport mechanisms in polymeric covalent adaptable networks

Abstract

This study unravels the mechanisms by which dynamic covalent bonds facilitate ion transport in poly(ethylene oxide)-based covalent adaptable networks (CANs), designed for solid polymer electrolytes. Our findings reveal how CANs differ fundamentally from traditional static PEO networks in their ion conductivity behavior. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we show that dynamic bonding creates temporary “corridors” for lithium-ion movement via reversible bond breaking and reformation, without altering the network topology. Unlike static networks, which rely on structural loosening for ion diffusion, dynamic bonding uniquely enhances ion transport by inducing local bond rearrangements that create transient structural fluctuations, increasing ion mobility up to 2.8-fold in dense networks. Importantly, these transient structural changes do not alter the overall pore distribution in the network. Instead, the dynamic reactions transform blocked pathways – previously dead-ends – into reversible gates that open and close, effectively regulating ion transport. This mechanism provides a pathway to improve ion conductivity while preserving mechanical integrity.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic bonds transform ion transport mechanisms in polymeric covalent adaptable networks

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
10 Mar 2025
Accepted
31 Jul 2025
First published
13 Aug 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article

Dynamic bonds transform ion transport mechanisms in polymeric covalent adaptable networks

M. Rezayani, F. Sharif and H. Makki, Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5MH00433K

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications, without requesting further permission from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given and it is not used for commercial purposes.

To request permission to reproduce material from this article in a commercial publication, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party commercial publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements