3D printing of flexible batteries for wearable electronics

Abstract

The advent of flexible batteries has spurred their burgeoning demand, propelling the imminent commercialization of wearable electronics. Simultaneously, the 3D printing technology has emerged as a compelling avenue for promoting substantial technological advancements in this field. Leveraging its intrinsic attributes of design flexibility and potential for customization, 3D printing technology stands as a catalyst poised to induce a paradigm shift within the field of flexible batteries for wearable electronics. This perspective begins with a brief comparison of traditional battery fabrication methods and 3D printing approaches. Then the major attentions are focused on three aspects in 3D-printed flexible batteries for wearable electronics, including 3D-printed flexible electrodes, 3D-printed flexible electrolytes, and 3D-printed flexible full cells. Finally, current challenges in this emerging field and the possible solutions are summarized and outlook. With the advances of 3D printing technology, the comprehensive exploration of the capabilities inherent in flexible batteries, along with their seamless integration into wearable electronics, is anticipated to get continuous improvement under in-depth investigations.