Flexible quasi-solid-state zinc ion batteries enabled by highly conductive carrageenan bio-polymer electrolyte

Abstract

Flexible Zn-MnO₂ batteries as wearable electronic power source have attracted much attention in recent years due to their low cost and high safety. To promote the practical application of flexible Zn-MnO₂ batteries, it is imperative to develop flexible, mechanically robust and high performance solid state electrolyte. Herein, we construct a rechargeable quasi-solid-state zinc ion battery using kappa-carrageenan bio-polymer electrolyte. The kappa-carrageenan electrolyte is eco-friendly, low cost, and highly conductive (3.32 × 10^-2 S cm^-1 at room temperature). The mechanical robustness of kappa-carrageenan electrolyte is further reinforced by using a rice paper as scaffold. Benefiting from high ionic conductivity of the bio-polymer electrolyte, our zinc ion battery delivers a significant high energy density and power density (400 W h kg^-1 and 7.9 kW kg^-1, respectively), high specific capacity (291.5 mA h g^-1 at 0.15 A g^-1), fast charging and discharging capability (120.0 mA h g^-1 at 6.0 A g^-1). The zinc ion battery with bio-polymer electrolyte also shows excellent cycling stability and high bending durability. This work brings new research opportunities in developing low-cost flexible solid-state zinc ion batteries using green natural polymer.