Hydrogel electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems: Structure–property relationships and performance trade-offs

Shaari, Norazuwana and Osman, Siti Hasanah and Kamarudin, Siti Kartom and Basri, Sahriah and Mohd Zaki, Syazwani and Bahru, Raihana and Mohd, Noraini (2026) Hydrogel electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems: Structure–property relationships and performance trade-offs. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 249 (155957). 0-22. E-ISSN 1879-3487

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Abstract

Hydrogel electrolytes have emerged as promising soft ionic media for sustainable electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems due to their high water content, tunable polymer networks, and mechanical flexibility. Compared with conventional liquid and solid electrolytes, hydrogels offer improved safety, interfacial adaptability, and suitability for flexible devices. However, structure–property–performance relationships remain fragmented across batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and hybrid systems. This review critically examines recent advances in hydrogel electrolytes, emphasizing the relationships among synthesis strategies, network architecture, physicochemical properties, ion transport mechanisms, and application-specific electrochemical performance. Key transport mechanisms, including Grotthuss hopping, vehicular transport, polymer segmental motion, and ion–water–polymer interactions, are comparatively discussed. The review further evaluates multifunctional strategies involving double-network structures, zwitterionic systems, nanocomposites, and water-in-salt hydrogels, while highlighting critical challenges associated with durability, scalability, interfacial stability, and commercialization pathways for next-generation energy technologies.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	HydrogelElectrolytesElectrochemicalEnergy storageConversion systems
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP155 Chemical engineering
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Syazwani Mohd Zaki
Date Deposited:	22 Jul 2026 19:38
Last Update:	22 Jul 2026 19:38
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4167
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130060

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