Recent progress in advanced flexible zinc ion battery design

Flexible zinc ion batteries are a promising energy supply for flexible and wearable electronic devices due to their high theoretical capacity, superior safety, low cost, and eco-friendliness. The rational design of highly efficient flexible zinc ion batteries with high electrochemical performance, long cycling life, and excellent mechanical deformability is still a formidable challenge, limiting their widespread application in flexible electronics. This paper summarizes the recent progress in designing and fabricating flexible zinc ion batteries from three aspects: device configurations, battery constituent components, and practical applications. First, we introduce the energy storage mechanism and summarize modification strategies of constituent components, including current collector, zinc anode, cathode, and solid/gel electrolyte, revealing their positive effects on the performance of flexible zinc ion batteries. Then, we elucidate advanced device configurations for flexible zinc ion batteries such as sandwich-type, planar, and fiber-type structures, followed by discussion on the specific properties of flexible zinc ion batteries that enhance their adaptability in practical applications, such as integration with electronics, self-healing ability, resistance to extreme conditions, and responsiveness to environments. The current challenges and outlooks are also presented. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the recent progress in designing and fabricating flexible zinc ion batteries, including device configurations, battery constituent components, and practical applications. The article points out that for the application of flexible electronic devices, efficient flexible zinc ion batteries still face challenges in electrochemical performance, cycling life, and mechanical deformability.