(696e) Tough and Recyclable Eutectogel Electrolyte with Thermal Stability and High Ionic Conductivity

Hydrogels are promising materials for emerging applications such as flexible batteries and soft robotics. However, achieving mechanical and thermal stability across diverse environmental conditions—while ensuring sustainability in processing and end-of-life treatment—remains a critical challenge.

In this work, we developed a tough, recyclable polymer electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs)—a class of environmentally benign "green solvents" that offer safer alternatives to conventional organic solvents. The resulting material, referred to as Eutectogels, contains supramolecular phase-separated domains that act as physical cross-links, significantly enhancing the gel's toughness and stretchability.

The Eutectogels exhibit high ionic conductivity of approximately 6 mS/cm, and maintain structural and electrochemical stability across a wide temperature range from –80 °C to 180 °C. Additionally, they are easily processable and recyclable, making them highly attractive candidates for next-generation supercapacitors and flexible energy storage devices.