Zwitterionic Eutectogels with High Ionic Conductivity for Environmentally Tolerant and Self-Healing Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

Abstract

Eutectogels have garnered considerable attention for the development of wearable devices, owing to their inherent mechanical elasticity, ionic conductivity, affordability, and environmental compatibility. However, the low conductivity of existing eutectogels has impeded their progression in electronic applications. Here, we report a zwitterionic eutectogel with an impressive ionic conductivity of up to 15.7 mS cm-1. The incorporation of zwitterionic groups into the eutectogel creates ample mobile charges by dissociating the cation and anion of solvents, thereby yielding exceptional ionic conductivity. Moreover, the abundant electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions within the eutectogel endow it with prominent self-healing and adhesive properties. By integrating the eutectogel with a roughly patterned polydimethylsiloxane film, we have successfully constructed a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a maximum output power density of 112 mW m-2. This TENG is capable of generating stable electrical signals even in extreme temperature conditions ranging from -80 to 100 °C and effectively powering electronic devices. Furthermore, the assembled TENG displays high sensitivity as a self-powered sensor, enabling real-time and precise monitoring of signals derived from human motions. This study establishes a promising approach for the development of sustainable and multifunctional flexible electronics that are resilient in extreme environments.