Mechanics and Dynamics of Organic Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors

Abstract

Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) are a class of materials that can transport ionic and electronic charge carriers simultaneously. They have shown broad applications in soft robotics, electrochemical transistors, and bio-electronics. The structural response of OMIECs to the mixed conduction populates from molecular conformation to devices, presenting challenges in understanding their mechanical behavior and constitutive descriptions. Furthermore, OMIECs feature strong multiphysics interactions among mechanics, electrostatics, charge conduction, mass transport, and microstructural evolution. In this review, we summarize recent progress in mechanistic understanding of OMIECs and highlight dynamics and heterogeneity underlying each element of mechanics. We introduce strain activation and breathing, mechanical properties, and degradation of OMIECs upon electrochemical doping and dedoping. Drawing on the state-of-the-art experimental and simulation insights, we highlight the critical role of multiscale dynamics in governing the functionality of OMIECs. We discuss the current understanding and limitation of constitutive relations and present computational frameworks that integrate multiphysics. We synthesize mechanics-driven strategies—spanning strain modulation, material stretchability, and interfacial stability—from molecular design to macroscopic structural engineering. We conclude with our perspective on the outstanding questions and key challenges for continued research. This review aims to organize the fundamental mechanical principles of OMIECs, offering a multidisciplinary framework for researchers to identify, analyze, and address mechanical challenges in mixed conducting polymers and their applications.