Hybrid Gel Electrolyte of Polyacrylamide with 2D Laponite Nanoparticles toward Good Mechanical Property and Fast Ion Transporting Performance

The widespread use of portable electronic devices has sparked interest in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors as an ecofriendly, safe, and cost-efficient energy storage solution. However, balancing the mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity of zinc-ion hybrid capacitor electrolytes presents a significant challenge. This study introduces a polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAM) electrolyte containing nanoparticle Laponite (Lap), demonstrating outstanding mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. Furthermore, when ZnSO4 is introduced into the gel electrolyte, it reduces system dependence and decreases the water freezing point, expanding the hydrogel’s operational temperature range. Consequently, the prepared gel electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity of 45.3 mS·cm–1 and excellent flexibility and can operate stably in both zinc-ion hybrid capacitors and sensors. This research provides an effective approach for developing hydrogel electrolytes with broad voltage windows, high ionic conductivity, and favorable mechanical characteristics.