Quasi-solid electrolyte: a thixotropic gel of imogolite and an ionic liquid.

We report a quasi-solid electrolyte comprising a transparent thixotropic gel swelled by an ionic liquid that is formed by a framework of single-walled aluminosilicate cylindrical inorganic "imogolite" nanotubes. The quasi-solid electrolyte shows moldability, thermal stability, and high ionic conductivity, and has potential applications in free-moldable conductive and anti-icing coatings, or electrolytes for batteries.