Nonaqueous G-Quadruplex Ionogels.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Supramolecular ionogels leverage ionic liquids for functional material construction in anhydrous solvents.
• G-quadruplex structures, derived from guanine-rich nucleic acids, enable gelation for applications like supercapacitor electrolytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate novel G-quadruplex ionogels utilizing an unreported cation.
• To investigate the stabilization of G-quadruplexes by iron(III) acetylacetonate in ethylammonium nitrate (EAN).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of G-quadruplex ionogels using iron(III) acetylacetonate and EAN.
• Characterization of ionogel properties including ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability window, and self-healing capabilities.
• Evaluation of a supercapacitor device utilizing the developed G-quadruplex ionogel electrolyte.

Main Results:

• Iron(III) acetylacetonate stabilizes G-quadruplexes via Fe(acac)²⁺ formation.
• The ionogel exhibits high ionic conductivity (6.43 mS·cm^-1), a wide electrochemical stability window (2.86 V), and self-healing properties.
• The supercapacitor achieved a gravimetric capacitance of 91.8 F·g^-1, energy density of 32.6 W h/kg, and power density of 319.8 W/kg.

Conclusions:

• The developed G-quadruplex ionogel serves as a promising electrolyte for high-performance supercapacitors.
• The findings enhance understanding of G-quadruplex structures and metal acetylacetonate complexes.
• This work presents a viable approach for fabricating advanced ionogel electrolytes.