Unlocking high-efficiency energy storage and conversion with biocompatible electrodes: the key role of interfacial interaction assembly and structural design†

Abstract

Biocompatible electrodes, situated at the intersection of bioelectronics and soft electronics, hold the promise of groundbreaking advancements in human–machine interaction and bio-inspired applications. Their development relies on achieving stable, robust deposition of electrically and/or electrochemically active components on biocompatible substrates, ensuring operational stability under various mechanical stresses. However, despite notable progress, most biocompatible electrodes still struggle to simultaneously achieve high mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, electrochemical activity, and long-term stability at the same time. These challenges present critical barriers to the development of more advanced biocompatible devices, particularly in the field of energy storage and conversion. The key lies in optimizing the complementary interfacial interactions between active components (i.e., electrical and/or electrochemical components) and biocompatible substrates, and between adjacent active components, as well as in the structural design of the electrodes. In this perspective, we review recent approaches for preparing textile- and hydrogel-based biocompatible electrodes that can achieve high electrical conductivity without compromising favorable properties of biocompatible substrates (i.e., textile and hydrogel) for energy storage and conversion devices. In particular, we highlight the critical role of the interfacial interactions between electrode components and demonstrate how these interactions significantly enhance the energy performance and operational stability.