Proton conductors based on Grotthuss jump mechanism have unique advantages in the field of deformation sensing. Unlike traditional deformation sensing electrolytes that rely on the diffusion and migration of loaded ions such as metal ions or ionic liquids, the Grotthuss mechanism achieves proton conduction through continuous reconstruction of hydrogen bonding networks, significantly reducing the energy barrier for proton migration. This characteristic enables proton conductors to maintain stable conductivity even in harsh environments such as low temperature or high frequency deformation, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional sensing materials in signal distortion under extreme working conditions. Especially in dynamic deformation monitoring, the rapid reconstruction of hydrogen bond networks ensures real-time synchronous response between proton conduction and mechanical deformation, improving the signal hysteresis of conventional sensing materials under rapid mechanical stimulation. These characteristics make proton conductors an ideal candidate material for achieving ultrafast response deformation sensing. However, the efficient proton conduction mechanism leads to insufficient response signal strength of the system to external mechanical stimuli, resulting in a contradiction between conduction efficiency and response sensitivity. This is a key scientific problem that restricts the practical application of proton conductors in the field of deformation sensing, and urgently needs to be overcome through innovative material design strategies.

In response to the above challenges, Professor Li Haolong's team proposed a response enhancement strategy based on a layered liquid crystal structure. A liquid crystal proton conductor with ordered layered nanochannels was prepared by regulating the supramolecular assembly behavior and eutectic effect between multi metal oxygen clusters (SiW) and eutectic directing molecules (HPS) and structure directing molecules (IBS). The study achieved a synergistic improvement in proton conductivity and deformation responsiveness by optimizing the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions of the system. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that IBS/HPS molecules undergo self-assembly microphase separation around SiW clusters, forming a layered superlattice structure with alternating arrangement characteristics, providing highly oriented conduction pathways for proton transport. This structure exhibits sensitive deformation response characteristics while maintaining good proton conductivity (30 ℃, 7.94 × 10-4 cm-1). Moreover, this type of liquid crystal proton conductor can be combined with elastic polymer fabrics to prepare flexible and stretchable electrolytes, achieving a resistance change rate (Δ R/R) of up to 340% under 100% tensile strain conditions. Its sensitivity coefficient (GF) reaches 3.7, which is more than 5 times higher than traditional homogeneous electrolyte materials.

This study effectively combines structural orderliness and dynamic responsiveness in proton conductors through the design of layered liquid crystal channels, solving the problem of insufficient sensing signal strength in proton conductors and providing a new strategy for the development of high-sensitivity and flexible deformation sensors. The related design concepts can be extended to the development of other functional ion conductors, and have broad application prospects in wearable devices and other fields.