journal article·2026-01Open access

Cation–π Hydrogel Electrolyte for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors with Excellent Mechanical Deformation and Low‐Temperature Tolerance

Chenbei Wang, Minfei Dang, Yizhou Zhao, Jinming Xue, Samuel M. Mugo, Hongda Wang, Yuyuan Lu, Qiang Zhang

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 3

Abstract

Abstract Flexible supercapacitors are promising power sources for new‐generation wearable electronics. However, their electrochemical performance often deteriorates under mechanical deformation and low‐temperature environments. Here, a flexible supercapacitor is developed by sandwiching a hydrogel electrolyte between two electrodes. To address performance challenges, cation−π crosslinking sites are incorporated into the hydrogel network. These dynamic crosslinking sites act as efficient ion‐hopping centers, imparting the hydrogel electrolyte with high fracture strength (1.8 MPa), strong ionic conductivity (3.9 S m −1 ), and excellent anti‐freezing properties. Furthermore, the hydrogel forms cation−π interactions with carbon nanotube‐based composite electrodes, facilitated by the reaction between the indole groups and Na + in the electrodes. This strong interfacial bonding minimizes electrode–electrolyte displacement during deformation, reducing interfacial resistance and enhancing charge transport efficiency. As a result, the cation−π hydrogel electrolyte enables the supercapacitor to achieve high energy storage, outstanding mechanical deformation tolerance, and robust performance at low temperatures. The device maintains 89.8% of its initial capacitance after 5000 bending cycles and retains 70.9% capacitance at −40 °C—significantly surpassing previously reported methods. This work presents an innovative strategy for designing high‐performance hydrogel electrolytes for advanced energy storage systems.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication · Advanced battery technologies research · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun Jilin 130022 P. R. China

School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China

State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun Jilin 130022 P. R. China

Jilin Baihao Technology Co., Ltd Changchun Jilin P. R. China 130103

Department of Physical Sciences MacEwan University Edmonton Alberta T5J4S2 Canada

CAS Applied Chemistry Science & Technology Co., Ltd Changchun Jilin 130022 P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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