Liquid metal hydrogel stretches 900% and powers batteries at temperatures of −4°F

- Liquid metal hydrogel stretches 900% and powers batteries at temperatures of −4°F. South Korean scientists at SKKU engineered an ultra-stretchable hydrogen electrolyte using liquid metal particles as polymerization initiators. This soft electronics breakthrough creates a hydrogel that expands nine times its original length while maintaining ionic conductivity in subzero conditions. By incorporating stearyl methacrylate for reversible crosslinking and lithium chloride to suppress freezing, the material withstands extreme mechanical stress and cold. With 98% performance retention after 45,000 cycles, this durable, flexible energy storage is a game-changer for wearable tech, soft robotics, and autonomous systems operating in harsh environments.