A High‐Safety Solid‐State Thermally Responsive Separator‐Electrolyte Structure for Flexible Energy Storage Devices

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Authors: Shuo Zhuo, Hongbo Liang, Mengfan Pei, Wenkai Song, Hui Lin, D. Liu, Wanyuan Jiang, Xusheng Zhang, Yunpeng Qu, Xin Jin, Borui Li, Chang Su
+3 more Changxing Han, Xigao Jian, Fangyuan Hu
Cited by: 4
References: 32

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the era of energy development, electrochemical energy storage devices are widely used for their high‐power density and long cycle life. However, rapid ion transport can cause excessive heat, accelerating degradation and raising safety risks. To address this, a high strength integrated smart separator‐electrolyte structure based on poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is developed. The assembled supercapacitor achieves 81% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 1 A g −1 . By incorporation of hydrophilic (N‐vinylpyrrolidone) NVP monomer and high concentration salts, the hydrogen bonding network is precisely regulated, giving the structure exceptional mechanical robustness and anti‐freezing performance, enabling stable operation under deformation and extreme conditions. Leveraging the reversible phase transition of PNIPAAm, the electrolyte dynamically closes ion channels upon heating and reopens them upon cooling, achieving automatic shutdown and self‐recovery of device operation. Above 60°C, the electrolyte rapidly suppresses ionic transport (100% capacity loss), with full function recovery after cooling. In addition, the color change of the exclamation mark pattern on the outer packaging allows for quick and accurate identification of the overheating status. The synergistic integration of thermal responsiveness and visual alerting ensures ultra‐safe operation and provides a promising strategy for enhancing the operational safety of next‐generation flexible energy storage devices.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies Conducting polymers and applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
38
Issue
14
Pages
e21465–e21465
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN