Abstract
An economical and efficient method is developed for preparing flexible cathodes. In this work, a dense mesoporous Co3O4 layer was first hydrothermally grown in situ on the surface of chopped carbon fibers (CFs), and then carbon fiber paper (Co3O4/CP) was prepared by a wet papermaking process as a flexible zinc-air battery (ZAB). The high-performance air cathode utilizes the high specific surface area of a single chopped carbon fiber, which is conducive to the deposition and adhesion of the Co3O4 layer. Through the wet papermaking process, Co3O4/CP has ultra-thin, high mechanical stability and excellent electrical conductivity. In addition, the assembled ZAB exhibits relatively excellent electrochemical performance, with a continuous cycle of more than 180 times at a current density of 2 mA·cm−2. The zinc-air battery can maintain a close fit and work stably and efficiently even under high bending conditions. This process of combining single carbon fibers to prepare ultra-thin, high-density, high-conductivity carbon fiber paper through a papermaking process has huge application potential in the field of flexible wearables.
Highlights
Exhibits relatively excellent electrochemical performance, with a continuous cycle of more than 180 times at a current density of 2 mA·cm−2
Co(OH)2 nanoneedles were grown on the surface of modified fibers (m-carbon fibers (CFs)) at 150 ◦ C for 3 h in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave containing a hydrothermal solution of 120 mL with
The Co3 O4 supported on carbon fiber paper (Co3 O4 /carbon paper (CP)) was produced from CFs by the wet papermaking process
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. As a resource-rich gas, CO2 has a certain oxidation ability It can etch micropores on the surface of carbon fibers at high temperatures, increase the specific surface area of carbon fibers, and is an excellent process to improve the surface activity of carbon fibers [26,27,28]. When Co3 O4 /CP was used as the air cathode material, the prepared ZAB exhibited a high round-trip efficiency and a good charge–discharge cycle stability, and it was able to work stably in a variety of folded states. These ultra-thin paper-like composite electrode materials will help to further promote the development of ZAB in the field of various wearable and flexible energy storage, and have great potential
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