Mechanically Robust and Highly Conductive Lignin-Derived Dual-Network Eutectic Electrolytes
Abstract
Conventional eutectic quasi-solid electrolytes (EQSEs), despite their intrinsic safety and sustainability, are fundamentally limited by the mechanical-conductivity trade-off, severely restricting practical deployment. Here, a lignin-engineered double-cross-linked EQSE is reported that overcomes these challenges through synergistic dual-dynamic networks: (1) an organic polyacrylamide/poly(acrylic acid) (PAM/PAA) framework establishing continuous ion-transport channels and (2) Fe 3+ -coordinated cross-links coupled with hydrogen bonding resolving the mechanical-conductivity trade-off. The resultant DES–LN–Fe 3+ electrolyte simultaneously achieves a high ionic conductivity of 0.031 S cm –1 at 25 °C and exceptional ductility (851% strain). When deployed in flexible supercapacitors, it delivers a high specific capacitance of 310.6 F g –1 (0.1 A g –1 ) with exceptional low-temperature resilience (45.8% capacity retention at −40 °C) and cycling stability (95.7% after 10,000 cycles). Notably, the electrolyte doubles as a high-sensitivity strain sensor (gauge factor = 3.183), enabling real-time monitoring of biomechanical motions. This work establishes a dynamic dual-cross-linking paradigm to design multifunctional quasi-solid electrolytes for integrated energy storage and sensing platforms in extreme environments.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication
Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 5528–5538
- Publication date
- 16 January 2026
- Language
- EN