arXiv subjects

Max Tepermeister

Publications and source records attributed to Max Tepermeister.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Harnessing Ionic Complexity: A Modeling Approach for Hierarchical Ionic Circuit Design

Since the 1950s, soft ionic devices have evolved from individual components to an expanding library of sensors, actuators, signal transmitters, and processors. However, integrating these components into complex, multi-functional systems remains challenging due to the non-intuitive and non-linear interactions between ionic elements. In this work, we address these fundamental challenges by developing a lumped element model that enables interrogation of the physics that govern ionic circuits, as well as rapid design and optimization. Our model captures features specific to ionic charge carriers, while preserving the hierarchical design flexibility and computational efficiency of traditional circuit modeling. We demonstrate that our model can not only fit individual device behavior but also accurately predict the behavior of larger circuits formed by combining those devices. Additionally, we show how our tool utilizes the intrinsic non-linearities of ionic systems to enable novel functionality, revealing how factors such as ion enrichment, ion leakage, and polymer charge density influence performance. Finally, we present a fully ionic power supply, sensor, control system, and actuator for a soft robot that adapts its motion in response to environmental salt, illustrating the tool's potential to accelerate advancements in chemical sensing, biointerfacing, biomimetic systems, and adaptive materials.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2022

Modeling coupled electrochemical and mechanical behavior of soft ionic materials and ionotronic devices

Recently there has been an increase in demand for soft and biocompatible electronic devices capable of withstanding large stretch. Ionically conductive polymers present a promising class of soft materials for these emerging applications due to their ability to realize charge transport across the polymer network, while preserving the desired mechanical and chemical features. As opposed to electron transfer in traditional electrical conductors, the charge transport across these polymers is achieved through ion migration. When such materials are used in combination with electrical systems, they are known as ionotronic devices. The ability to simulate device performance based on its material composition and geometry would accelerate and improve ionotronic device design. The main challenge in developing reliable simulation capabilities for ionically conductive polymers is the complex and coupled electro-chemo-mechanical behavior. In this work we address this challenge by introducing a multiphysics framework incorporating the coupled effects of ion transport, electric fields and large deformation. The utility of the developed multiphysics model is showcased by simulating representative ion transport problems and the operation of soft ionotronic devices.

cond-mat.soft↗