Phase-change electrolytes for thermally-mediated resistance switching

The Schroeder lab has developed phase-change gel electrolytes that melt and freeze slightly above room temperature -- this effect switches their electrical (ionic) conductivity by a factor that can exceed 10,000. Above the melting point, the materials are conductive (up to 1 mS/cm); below it, they are quite insulating. This transition is accompanied by other profound changes in material properties, as well (e.g. stiffness, opacity).

The paper: Y. Yuan and T.B.H. Schroeder, Advanced Materials 2026 https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202519014

This effect (Fig. 1) can be exploited to mitigate self-discharge in energy storage contexts (Fig. S9) or serve as a digital switch or analog sensor mediated by temperature (Fig. 5). The melting point (and thus the conductivity transition temperature) can be tuned by modifying the gel composition (Fig. 4), and a variety of charge carriers can be used (Fig. 3). Cycling stability is good (Fig. 2).

Fundamental work on this system is ongoing, and my team and I would be excited to conduct sponsored research on applications of this technology.