Ultrastretchable and Compact Zn-MnO2 Rechargeable Battery

Abstract

The rise of stretchable electronics calls for deformable forms of rechargeable batteries as compatible power sources. The crumpled electrode design is a promising avenue for stretchable batteries by providing sufficient internal space to accommodate tensile deformations. Current electrodes typically have rough surfaces with visible corrugations, which present practical challenges in assembling compact cells for wearable systems. In this study, we report the design and preparation of ultrastretchable electrodes with microwrinkled surface textures. Crumpled electrodes are created in a transfer-printing process based on active materials deposited on metal film current collectors. A polymer membrane is introduced as a key mechanical support to effectively enhance the durability of these electrodes against large and repetitive tensile strains. A stretchable pouch cell of Zn-MnO2 rechargeable battery is constructed with a total thickness of ∼1 mm. The battery cell demonstrates a high specific capacity of 211 mAh g–1, stable charge–discharge cycling performances, and ultrahigh deformability of up to 525% strain. The compact design allows the battery to achieve conformal attachment to the skin and versatile integration with various deformable systems. The present work offers a generic approach to creating highly stretchable batteries with microwrinkled electrodes.