The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

The rapid expansion of wearable electronics, soft robotics, and deformable devices has driven strong demand for energy-storage systems that can operate reliably under large mechanical deformation. Stretchable ion-conducting polymeric gels have emerged as soft electrolytes that address these challenges by combining high ionic conductivity with exceptional mechanical compliance. Their polymeric networks accommodate large strains while maintaining continuous ion-transport pathways and intimate, stable contact with active electrodes. For energy storage, these traits benefit deformable devices and thick, high-mass-loading electrodes, where fast ion penetration and mechanical buffering are essential for high areal capacity and long cycle life. Moreover, the tunable chemistry and structure of polymeric gels allow optimization of electrochemical stability, ion selectivity, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical resilience to meet the demands of next-generation flexible power sources widely.