Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline Mesophase of Lithium Triflate–Nonionic Surfactant as Gel Electrolyte for Graphene Optical Modulator

Lithium salt (noncoordinating anions, such as lithium triflate (Ltf)) gel electrolytes may be key for the practical use of electrochemical devices. We introduce a new lyotropic liquid-crystalline (LLC) mesophase using Ltf, a small amount of water (as low as 1.3 water per Ltf), and nonionic surfactant (C18H37(OCH2CH2)10OH, C18E10). The LLC phase forms over a broad range of Ltf/C18E10 mole ratios, 2–18. The clear ethanol solution of the...