Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University have developed a new hydrogel electrolyte that combines extreme stretchability with strong performance in freezing temperatures.
The material uses liquid metal particles and remains flexible and conductive even at -20 degrees Celsius. The innovation addresses key challenges for wearable electronics and flexible energy storage devices that must operate in demanding environments.
The findings of the research led by Professor Sungjune Park from the Department of Chemical were published in the scientific journal Nano-Micro Letters.
The study focuses on solving two major problems that limit the performance of hydrogel electrolytes. These materials often lack mechanical strength and lose functionality when exposed to cold conditions.
Hydrogels are soft materials that contain large amounts of water. They are widely studied for use in wearable electronics due to their flexibility and lightweight nature. However, their high water content makes them vulnerable to freezing and structural damage.
The growing market for wearable devices is increasing demand for advanced energy storage materials. Smart watches, health monitoring sensors, electronic textiles, and flexible displays all require power sources that can bend and stretch. These devices also need to operate reliably in different environmental conditions.
To address these challenges, the researchers developed a new manufacturing approach. They used liquid metal particles to start the chemical reaction that forms the hydrogel. This process removed the need for external heat or ultraviolet light, making production simpler and more practical.
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The team began with bulk liquid metal and applied ultrasonication. This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to break the liquid metal into tiny particles. Those particles then triggered the polymerization process needed to build the hydrogel network.
Polymerization is the process of linking small molecules together to form long chains. In this case, the researchers combined acrylamide and acrylic acid. These materials formed the main structure of the hydrogel.
The simplified production process offers an important advantage. Traditional manufacturing methods often require additional equipment and energy inputs. By eliminating those steps, the new method supports easier scaling for larger production volumes.
The researchers also introduced stearyl methacrylate, commonly known as SMA. This material does not mix easily with water because it is hydrophobic. Its role was to create physical links between the polymer chains inside the hydrogel.
These links act like temporary connectors throughout the material. When the hydrogel is stretched, some of the connections break and absorb energy. Once the force is removed, the connections reform and help restore the structure.
This mechanism significantly improves the material’s durability. It allows the hydrogel to withstand repeated stretching without permanent damage. The design also helps prevent mechanical failure during use.
Testing showed impressive flexibility. The hydrogel achieved an elongation at break of up to 900 percent. In simple terms, it stretched to nine times its original length before breaking.
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Such flexibility is important for wearable technologies. Devices attached to the human body are constantly subjected to movement and deformation. Materials used in these systems must remain functional under repeated bending, twisting, and stretching.
The researchers also focused on improving cold-weather performance. They soaked the hydrogel in a lithium chloride(LiCl) solution. This treatment enhanced the material’s resistance to freezing.
Lithium chloride disrupts hydrogen bonding between water molecules. Hydrogen bonds normally help water molecules organize into ice crystals. By reducing this process, the hydrogel remains soft and functional at lower temperatures.
Many conventional hydrogel electrolytes fail when exposed to freezing conditions. Ice formation reduces flexibility and disrupts ion movement inside the material. This leads to lower performance and shorter operating life.
The new hydrogel showed a different result. It maintained both ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility at -20 degrees Celsius. This combination is essential for energy storage systems operating in cold environments.
Ionic conductivity refers to the movement of charged particles through the electrolyte. This movement enables batteries and supercapacitors to store and deliver energy. Maintaining conductivity at low temperatures is a key requirement for reliable operation.
Liquid Metal Hydrogel Tested
The team also evaluated long-term performance. They built energy storage devices using the new hydrogel electrolyte. These devices retained 98 percent of their performance after 45,000 charge-and-discharge cycles.
Cycle life is one of the most important measures of energy storage durability. Repeated charging and discharging can gradually degrade materials. Strong retention after tens of thousands of cycles suggests the electrolyte remains stable over extended use.
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The results highlight the growing role of advanced materials in next-generation electronics. Flexible energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important as devices become smaller and more adaptable. Researchers worldwide are searching for materials that balance flexibility, durability, and environmental resistance.
The development also reflects broader trends in wearable technology. Consumers expect devices to work during exercise, outdoor activities, and changing weather conditions. Materials that perform reliably under stress and cold temperatures support these expectations.
The research team emphasized that further work remains necessary before large-scale commercialization. Long-term stability and consistent performance across larger manufacturing processes must still be verified. These steps are essential for practical industrial adoption.
Professor Park said the study introduces a new design strategy for liquid-metal-based hydrogel electrolytes.
He explained that the technology provides a practical platform for future wearable electronics and flexible energy storage systems. The approach combines simple manufacturing, strong mechanical properties, and reliable low-temperature performance in a single material.
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As demand for wearable and flexible electronics continues to grow, materials that remain stretchable, durable, and operational in harsh conditions are important.
This liquid-metal hydrogel offers a new path to designing energy-storage components that function beyond the limits of many existing systems. Future research and large-scale production efforts will determine how quickly the technology moves from the laboratory into real-world devices.
