Nanocluster-Based Liquid Crystal Electrolytes for Deformation-Responsive Proton Conductors

Electrolyte materials with responsive conductive properties are highly desired in electronic and sensing technologies, which rely on the construction of ion transport channels that combine orderliness with dynamic adjustability. However, achieving such structures remains a significant challenge. In this study, we fabricate a lamellar liquid crystal electrolyte enabling deformation-responsive proton conduction. Polyoxometalate nanoclusters (POMs) and zwitterionic molecules are utilized to construct the electrolytes through a supramolecular eutectic strategy. By balancing electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions, zwitterionic molecules direct lamellar POM assembly while softening the system via hydrogen-bond-induced eutectic effect. This approach ultimately results in a POM-based room-temperature liquid crystal with a unique lamellar superlattice structure. Notably, the integration of proton-conductive POMs with dynamically responsive liquid crystal channels enables a highly sensitive change in proton conductivity under deformation. These findings expand the potential applications of liquid crystal systems and provide valuable insights for the development of responsive electrolyte materials.