Phys.org July 20, 2018
Reversible sol-gel transition hydrogels are normally in flowing liquid state at or below room temperature and can transform into stationary gels when heated above a critical temperature and transition can be reversed after cooling down. Researchers in China synthesized a temperature-sensitive sol-gel transition electrolyte comprising proton-incorporated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PNA) incorporating it into a rechargeable Zn/α-MnO2 battery system. After heating above the low critical temperature, a gelation process occurs in the PNA sol-gel electrolyte shutting down the battery. After cooling down, the transition is reversed to liquid state and an original electrochemical performance can be restored. Because of the sol-gel electrolyte’s thermoresponsiveness the battery has dynamic charge/discharge rate performance at different temperatures, enabling “smart” thermal control for the battery… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Schematic illustration of the thermoresponsive Zn/α-MnO2 batteries with reversible sol-gel transition electrolyte. Credit: ©Science China Press