Hybrid Gel Electrolyte of Polyacrylamide with 2D Laponite Nanoparticles toward Good Mechanical Property and Fast Ion Transporting Performance

The widespread use of portable electronic devices has sparked interest in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors as an ecofriendly, safe, and cost-efficient energy storage solution. However, balancing the mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity of zinc-ion hybrid capacitor electrolytes presents a significant challenge. This study introduces a polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAM) electrolyte containing nanoparticle Laponite (Lap), demonstrating outstanding mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. Furthermore, when ZnSO₄ is introduced into the gel electrolyte, it reduces system dependence and decreases the water freezing point, expanding the hydrogel's operational temperature range. Consequently, the prepared gel electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity of 45.3 mS·cm^-1 and excellent flexibility and can operate stably in both zinc-ion hybrid capacitors and sensors. This research provides an effective approach for developing hydrogel electrolytes with broad voltage windows, high ionic conductivity, and favorable mechanical characteristics.