Alkaline Double-Network Hydrogels with High Conductivities, Superior Mechanical Performances, and Antifreezing Properties for Solid-State Zinc–Air Batteries

For the development of advanced flexible and wearable electronic devices, functional electrolytes with excellent conductivity, temperature tolerance, and desirable mechanical properties need to be engineered. Herein, an alkaline double-network hydrogel with high conductivity and superior mechanical and antifreezing properties is designed and promisingly utilized as the flexible electrolyte in all-solid-state zinc-air batteries. The conductive hydrogel is comprised of covalently cross-linked polyelectrolyte poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid potassium salt) (PAMPS-K) and interpenetrating methyl cellulose (MC) in the presence of concentrated alkaline solutions. The covalently cross-linked PAMPS-K skeleton and interpenetrating MC chains endow the hydrogel with good mechanical strength, toughness, an extremely rapid self-recovery capability, and an outstanding antifatigue property. Gratifyingly, the entrapment of a concentrated alkaline solution in the hydrogel matrix yields an extremely high ionic conductivity (105 mS cm-1 at 25 °C) and an excellent antifreezing capacity. The hydrogel retains comparable conductivity and eligible strength to withstand various mechanical deformations at -20 °C. The all-solid-state zinc-air batteries using PAMPS-K/MC hydrogels as flexible alkaline electrolytes exhibit comparable values of specific capacity (764.7 mAh g-1), energy capacity (850.2 mWh g-1), cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility. The batteries still possess competitive electrochemical performances even when the operating temperature drops to -20 °C.