A novel hydrogel electrolyte for self-powered sensing and safe energy storage systems in extreme environments

The development of flexible wearable devices necessitates a continuous supply of flexible and highly secure power to match. However, traditional energy storage devices exhibit limited capacity and lack flexibility. Self-powered energy storage systems that integrate power generation and storage capabilities are anticipated to provide a sustained power supply. In this study, we successfully developed a solid-state hydrogel electrolyte, 2MZAET, characterized by excellent tensile properties, electrical conductivity, and light transmittance. The 2MZAET gel can function as an electrode current collector in the construction of a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The 2MZAET-based TENG demonstrates a high-power density of 527 mW/m 2 , and the single-electrode TENG constructed with 2MZAET can be used for self-powered motion detection sensing. Furthermore, the 2MZAET hydrogel can be used as a highly efficient solid-state zinc-ion electrolyte for constructing flexible and safe zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Self-powered energy storage systems based on 2MZAET were designed to ensure power supply in extreme environments. This integration of TENG with safe energy storage devices positions the self-powered energy storage system as a promising solution for the continuous power supply of flexible wearable electronic devices.