Citation: Xiang Li, Haikun Guo, Shengchao Chai, Haibin Li, Shihao Song, Peng Zuo, Haolong Li. Polyoxometalate-based supramolecular ionic network electrolytes for flexible proton conductors[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(4): 110750. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110750 shu

Polyoxometalate-based supramolecular ionic network electrolytes for flexible proton conductors

State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China

chaisc@mail.jlu.edu.cn

hl_li@jlu.edu.cn

Received Date: 25 October 2024
Revised Date: 4 December 2024
Accepted Date: 11 December 2024
Available Online: 12 December 2024

Figures(6)

Proton-conducting materials are essential for energy and electronic technologies. Polyoxometalates (POMs), as molecularly well-defined metal oxide nanoclusters with high proton conductivity, are promising candidates for such applications. However, their intrinsic crystalline brittleness poses significant challenges for practical device processing. In this work, we present a strategy to incorporate POM nanoclusters into supramolecular ionic networks (SINs). By using synergistic electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, we uniformly disperse POM nanoclusters into zwitterionic liquids, forming an ionic network structure. The resulting POM-based SIN electrolytes exhibit semi-solid flexibility and high proton conductivity of 2.0 × 10^-3 S/cm. Notably, these electrolytes demonstrate strong adhesion with activated carbon electrodes, resulting in flexible supercapacitors with a stable electrolyte-electrode interface that retains 90% capacitance after 14,000 charge-discharge cycles and 10,000 bending cycles. This study provides a promising approach for developing nanocluster-based soft electrolyte materials for flexible devices.
- Polyoxometalate nanoclusters,
- Zwitterionic liquids,
- Supramolecular ionic networks,
- Proton conductors,
- Flexible electrolytes
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