Zwitterionic Hydration-Network Engineered Gel Electrolytes: Ion-Channel Optimization for Advanced Flexible Zinc-Air Batteries

The advancement of high-performance solid-state electrolytes remains pivotal for flexible zinc-air batteries, yet poses persistent challenges in energy storage research. To address this, we introduce a zwitterion-based electrolyte membrane synthesized from 3-(1-vinyl-3-imidazolio) propanesulfonate. Extended polymer chains within this membrane confer exceptional mechanical flexibility, while abundant zwitterionic moieties establish robust hydration networks via water-molecule interactions. These structural features facilitate expansive ion-conduction channels, enabling accelerated hydroxide ion mobility with an ionic conductivity of 101.3 mS cm −1 at ambient conditions. Crucially, the system exhibits thermally responsive behavior: conductivity escalates to 127.8 mS cm −1 at 65°C. When deployed in ZABs, the membrane sustains 180 charge-discharge cycles while achieving a peak power density of 62.14 mW cm −2 . Under flexible-operation scenarios, it maintains performance stability amid mechanical stress. Further merits include inherent flame retardancy and adhesive properties, which collectively enhance operational safety and broaden application potential. This electrolyte design paradigm provides critical insights for next-generation flexible energy-storage technologies.