In an embodiment of the first aspect, the hydrogel structure is arranged to facilitate retaining an ionic solution including the plurality of chemical ions.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the ionic solution includes zinc acetate and potassium hydroxide.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the polymer includes a polyacrylate-based material.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the polymer includes sodium polyacrylate.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the polymer is further arranged to suppress a formation of dendrites on an electrode in the energy storage apparatus.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the polymer comprises an electronegative functional group arranged to interact with electropositive ions produced on the electrode during an operation of the energy storage apparatus.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electronegative functional group includes an acrylate group.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the polymer is arranged to immobilize the electropositive ions produced on the electrode based on an electrostatic interaction between the electronegative functional group and the electropositive ions.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electropositive ions are immobilized at an interface between the ion-conducting material and the electrode.