Ge modified by metal–organic segments as anodes for Ge-air batteries with an alkaline gel polymer electrolyte

Abstract

The advantages of Ge-air batteries compared with metal-air batteries are their high anode utilization and ideal safety. To further enhance the discharge performance of Ge-air batteries, we report for the first time the successful synthesis of metal–organic segments (MOSs) material on the surface of germanium wafers by solution growth methods and demonstrate their performance in a button-type Ge-air battery with an alkaline gel polymer electrolyte. The morphology of MOSs can be controlled by adjusting the solution concentration and reaction time, and the discharge time of the battery would be elevated to about 350 h with prolonged reaction time. Our experimental findings prove that applying this MOSs material at the anode can significantly improve the discharge duration of Ge-air batteries. This paper also provides a strategy for anode modification to ameliorate the performance of Ge-air batteries.