High-Performance transparent and flexible Zinc-Ion Solid-State batteries based on nanotube network and hydrogel electrolyte

Abstract

Transparent and flexible electronics research is a lively and promising domain that holds immense potential for a plethora of innovative applications in consumer electronics, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. It would be extremely beneficial to develop internal energy sources that are transparent and do not alter the visual appearance would. In this study, we introduce the design of a transparent and flexible zinc-ion solid-state battery (TFZSB), all of whose component elements, such as the electrode, electrolyte/diaphragm, and packaging, are made of transparent and soft materials. The electrodes have been constructed with a framework of nanotube (NT) networks, while the electrolyte is built from a polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel material. The suggested electrode design effectively leverages the outstanding optical properties and flexibility of the NT network, while the construction assimilates the PAM hydrogel for providing electrical protection and fabricate the electrolyte, culminating in a resilient interface, which confers exceptional electrochemical stability under varying mechanical strains. With a strong visible-light spectrum transmittance of >80 % and a retention Coulombic efficiency of >92 % under large-scale strains, the TFZSB demonstrates a mass specific capacity of 122.6mAh/g. This TFZSB constitutes a breakthrough in the realm of wearable and smart electronics, and holds the potential to unlock a multitude of opportunities in the future by bridging the domains of energy storage and flexibility/transparency.