Ion Conductive Phytic Acid‐G Quadruplex Hydrogel as Electrolyte for Flexible Electrochromic Device

Abstract Self‐healing and thermo‐reversible hydrogels derived from pristine biomolecules with potential ionic conductivity represent a promising class of functional and flexible materials for a range of applications such as bioelectronics, energy storage, and wearable and implantable devices. Herein, spontaneous formation of an ion conductive hydrogel through the reversible non‐covalent interaction of pristine biomolecules, phytic acid and guanosine‐5'‐monophosphate in aqueous medium is reported that shows excellent self‐healing and thermo‐reversible properties. The phytic acid biomolecule induces effective cross‐linking of the highly ordered G‐tetrad leading to gelation. The homogeneous and mechanically strong hydrogel is used as a gel electrolyte for flexible electrochromic devices taking advantage of the high ionic conductivity. The biocompatibility, robustness, good conductivity and multifunctional applicability of phytic acid induced G‐quadruplex hydrogel, makes it a prospective material for environmental and bioelectronics applications.