Bent-core liquid crystals joining the ethylene-oxide/lithium ion tandem: Ionic conductivity and dielectric response towards new electrolytes for energy applications

•Bent-core liquid crystals containing tetra(ethylene-oxide) moieties were doped with lithium triflate salts.•The doped materials display smectic mesophases inside indium tin oxide cells.•Lithium ions are selectively solvated in the ethylene-oxide blocks.•The presence of lithium ions promotes direct current conductivity at low frequencies.•The materials show potential as new nanostructured electrolytes, controllable by light irradiation.