Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Shatin, NT, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2022 Jun 20;61(25):e202202780. doi: 10.1002/anie.202202780. Epub 2022 Apr 27.
A key application of aqueous rechargeable Zn-based batteries (RZBs) is flexible and wearable energy storage devices (FESDs). Current studies and optimizations of Zn anodes have not considered the special flexible working modes needed. In this study, we present the Zn accumulation on the folded line and curve areas of flexible anodes. The correlation between the bending radius and the lifespan of symmetric cells is proposed. The interface contact of hydrogel electrolytes when working in a bending mode is another key factor affecting cell lifespan. After detailed analysis, the ideal cell configuration is shown to be hydrogel electrolytes with suitable chemistry, satisfactory mechanical properties, and high adhesivity. Thus a water in salt (WIS) hydrogel is proposed that demonstrates a highly stable cell performance. This work provides a new perspective in Zn anode research for the development of FESDs.
水系可充锌基电池（RZBs）的一个主要应用是柔性和可穿戴储能器件（FESDs）。目前对锌阳极的研究和优化并没有考虑到特殊的柔性工作模式的需求。在这项研究中，我们提出了锌在柔性阳极的折叠线和曲线区域的积累。提出了弯曲半径与对称电池寿命之间的相关性。在弯曲模式下工作时水凝胶电解质的界面接触是另一个影响电池寿命的关键因素。经过详细分析，理想的电池结构是具有合适化学性质、令人满意的机械性能和高附着力的水凝胶电解质。因此，提出了一种盐水电解质（WIS）水凝胶，表现出高度稳定的电池性能。这项工作为 FESDs 的发展提供了锌阳极研究的新视角。
