?Water-in-Deep Eutectic Solvent? Gel Electrolytes Synergistically Controlled by Solvation Regulation and Gelation Strategies for Flexible Electronic Devices

Recent developments in flexible electronics have heightened the need for electrolytes with high safety, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability. However, neither conventional organic electrolytes nor aqueous electrolytes can meet the above requirements simultaneously. Herein, a novel water-in-deep eutectic solvent gel (WIDG) electrolyte synergisti-cally controlled by the solvation regulation and gelation strategies is reported. The water molecules introduced into deep eutectic solvent (DES) participate in the solvation structure regulation of Li+, thus endowing the WIDG electrolyte with high safety, thermal stability, and outstanding electrochemical performance, including high ionic conductivity (similar to 1.23 mS cm-1) and a wide electro-chemical window (similar to 5.4 V). Besides, the polymer in the gel interacts with DES and H2O, further optimizing the electrolyte with excellent mechanical strength and higher operating voltage. Benefiting from these advantages, the lithium-ion capacitor constructed by WIDG electrolyte presents a high areal capacitance of 246 mF cm-2 with an energy density of 87.3 mu Wh cm-2. The use of the gel enhances the electrode structure stability, resulting in desirable cycling stability (>90% capacity retention after 1400 cycles). Moreover, the WIDG-assembled sensor exhibits high sensitivity and rapid real-time detection of motion. This work will provide guidelines for designing high-safety and high-operating-voltage electrolytes for flexible electronics.

Automated summary

Recent developments in flexible electronics have increased the demand for electrolytes with high safety, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability. This study introduces a novel water-in-deep eutectic solvent gel (WIDG) electrolyte controlled by solvation regulation and gelation strategies. The WIDG electrolyte exhibits high safety, thermal stability, and excellent electrochemical performance, including high ionic conductivity and a wide electro-chemical window. The use of this electrolyte enhances the stability and performance of lithium-ion capacitors and sensors in flexible electronics.