Peng Tan

Flexible Zn– and Li–air batteries: recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives

The demand for flexible power sources with high energy density and durability has increased rapidly with the development of flexible and wearable electronic devices. Metal–air batteries are considered as the most promising candidates for these applications due to their excellent theoretical energy densities. In particular, rechargeable zinc–air and lithium–air batteries have attracted much attention because of their potential to offer high energy density while maintaining a long operational life. Although significant progress has been made in enhancing the electrochemical performance of these batteries, many technical challenges still remain to achieve the mechanical flexibility required for wearable electronic devices while maintaining high performance. This article describes the most recent advances and challenges in the development of flexible zinc–air and lithium–air batteries. We start with an overview of the latest innovations in the exploration of various battery configurations to effectively accommodate stresses and strains associated with the use of flexible electronic devices. This is followed by a detailed review of the advancements made in the design of flexible battery components: the metal electrode, the electrolyte membrane, and the air electrode. Furthermore, the effects of operating conditions on battery performance characteristics and durabilities are discussed, including the effect of the operating temperature and the contaminants commonly encountered in ambient air (e.g., carbon dioxide and moisture). Finally, challenges facing the development of a new generation of flexible metal–air batteries are highlighted, together with further research directions and perspectives.

Co3O4 Nanosheets as Active Material for Hybrid Zn Batteries

The rapid development of electric vehicles and modern personal electronic devices is severely hindered by the limited energy and power density of the existing power sources. Here a novel hybrid Zn battery is reported which is composed of a nanostructured transition metal oxide-based positive electrode (i.e., Co3 O4 nanosheets grown on carbon cloth) and a Zn foil negative electrode in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte. The hybrid battery configuration successfully combines the unique advantages of a Zn-Co3 O4 battery and a Zn-air battery, achieving a high voltage of 1.85 V in the Zn-Co3 O4 battery region and a high capacity of 792 mAh gZn-1 . In addition, the battery shows high stability while maintaining high energy efficiency (higher than 70%) for over 200 cycles and high rate capabilities. Furthermore, the high flexibility of the carbon cloth substrate allows the construction of a flexible battery with a gel electrolyte, demonstrating not only good rechargeability and stability, but also reasonable mechanical deformation without noticeable degradation in performance. This work also provides an inspiring example for further explorations of high-performance hybrid and flexible battery systems.