Acrylamide-based hydrogels for rechargeable zinc-based batteries: Properties, synthesis and applications

Abstract

Amid increasing demand for portable electronics, rechargeable zinc-based battery systems have garnered significant research and commercial attention. Hydrogel electrolytes (HEs) demonstrate significant potential for advancing aqueous zinc-based batteries, offering inherent safety, structural integrity, and biocompatibility. Among the numerous hydrogels electrolytes, acrylamide-based hydrogels electrolytes provide exceptional molecular design flexibility through their copolymerizable double bonds and versatile amide groups, enabling precise tuning of network characteristics including thermal stability, mechanical strength, interfacial adhesion, and ionic conductivity. This review outlines the molecular structures, unique properties, synthesis methods and their applications in rechargeable zinc-based batteries. Finally, we delineate prevailing challenges and propose future research trajectories, seeking to provide critical guidance for the rational design of cost-effective and high-efficiency acrylamide-based hydrogels tailored for advanced aqueous zinc-based batteries.