Battery-Everywhere Design Based on a Cathodeless Configuration with High Sustainability and Energy Density

Abstract

High energy density, recyclability, and manufacturing flexibility are valuable assets for batteries to drive the Internet of Things in a distributed, adaptive, and sustainable way. Aqueous zinc batteries are environmentally benign and offer more flexibility in manufacturing processes but are plagued by limited energy densities because of an operating voltage below 2 V. Here, we demonstrate a cathodeless battery with decoupled reactions successfully raising the voltage up to 2 V. The decoupled hydrogel electrolyte design inhibits cation crossover without the use of an ion-selective membrane and suppresses oxygen evolution upon bonding water to hydrogen sulfate anions through hydrogen bonding, allowing for high energy output and a long lifespan. The elimination of electrode composite slurries transforms everyday objects into batteries. Thirty minutes of wireless charging drives a multifunction electronic device for more than a day. Hydrogel electrolytes can be easily regenerated by resoaking, inspiring a new generation of sustainable energy storage devices.