High-performance solid-state Zn batteries based on a free-standing organic cathode and metal Zn anode with an ordered nano-architecture

Abstract

The increasing demand for large-scale manufacture of wearable electronics requires applicable energy storage devices with high-performance and safety. In this paper, we reported a solid-state Zn battery based on a free-standing organic cathode and metal Zn anode with an orderly aligned nano-architecture. The cathode is fabricated by depositing organic nanowire arrays on a carbon nanotube film <i>via</i> an <i>in situ</i> polymerization process, and the anode was prepared by electrodepositing Zn nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth. To avoid electrolyte leakage risks, a pseudo-solid-state PAAM-ZnSO₄ gel electrolyte is employed, which is synthesized <i>via</i> a chemical cross-linking and film casting approach. The orderly aligned nanostructure of PANI nanowire arrays and zinc nanosheet arrays exhibits superior electrochemical performance, while the free-standing electrode configuration simplifies the battery fabrication process and offers excellent flexibility. The resulting solid-state Zn battery delivered a high capacity of 144 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 0.2 A g^-1, a 91.1% capacity retention after 150 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g^-1, and excellent flexibility under different bending states. This high-performance solid-state Zn battery provides a promising alternative energy storage device for next generation wearable electronics.