Molecular Mechanism of Ionic Conductivity Enhancement by Heterogeneous Interface in Composite Hydrogel Electrolytes

Abstract

Enhancing ion transport in polymer hydrogels is essential for the development of hydrogel-based electrochemical devices. Herein, this study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which embedded SiO2 nanoparticles enhance the ionic conductivity of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels. Upon hydration, the deprotonated PAA chains expand the intermolecular space through electrostatic repulsion. Concurrently, the strong surface energy of SiO2 drives the formation of solvent-enriched interfacial water channels. These interfacial structures facilitate ion transport via two synergistic effects: 1) Zn2+ ions near the nanoparticle interface experience reduced structural constraints from the polymer network, and 2) the hydration shells of interfacial Zn2+ ions are partially disturbed and asymmetric, weakening the ion-water binding. These nanoscale alterations reduce both steric hindrance and solvation energy barriers, resulting in enhanced Zn2+ mobility within the hydrogel domains. This work provides a mechanistic framework for understanding nanoparticle–hydrogel interactions and offers insights into the design of composite hydrogel electrolytes with enhanced ion-transport performance. © 2025 The Author(s). Batteries & Supercaps published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.