Summary: Low molecular weight gelators bearing 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) were synthesized and demonstrated to have reversible electrochemical redox properties. The gelation tests showed that the compounds have excellent gelation properties in g-butyrolactone and propylene carbonate. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed the 3D network fibrous structure with an average diameter of 20-50 nm. Fast and reversible charge storage capabilities were established for the gelators, with an average output voltage of 4.8 V.

Cyclo(L-β-3,7-dimethyloctylasparaginyl-L-phenylalanyl) was used as a gelator to synthesize gel electrolytes using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, propylene carbonate, and γ-butyrolactone in 1 M LiBF4. Gel strengths and thermal stabilities were studied with regard to the effect of graphite as a helper additive. Ionic conductivities, activation energies for ionic conductivity, and the electrochemical stabilities of the graphite-containing gel electrolytes were studied.

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