Recent Advances in Wearable Aqueous Metal-Air Batteries: From Configuration Design to Materials Fabrication

With the increasing popularity of personal wearable electronic devices used for healthcare, entertainment, and sports applications, the corresponding energy supply and space adaptability of devices are required to meet higher standards. Owing to large energy densities and intrinsic safety, wearable aqueous metal-air batteries have shown great potential to be energy storage/conversion integrated systems for wearable electronic devices characterized by long-term low-power operation. In contrast to non-aqueous electrolytes, aqueous-based electrolytes exhibit greater ionic conductivity, higher operational safety, lower cost, and superior environmental benignity, making them more suitable for a wearable power source. Herein, the most recent advances in wearable aqueous metal-air battery systems are comprehensively summarized from the viewpoint of configuration design, materials fabrication, and property optimization. Specifically, the rational design of wearable battery configurations, including sandwich-type, cable/fiber-type, coplanar-type, and integrated coplanar-type configurations, are first discussed, followed by a detailed discussion of constituent components, including flexible air cathode, flexible anode, and quasi-solid-state gel electrolyte in wearable metal-air batteries. Finally, the existing technical hurdles and recommended future research perspectives of wearable aqueous metal-air battery systems are proposed to stimulate the broader interest of interdisciplinary researchers and try to shed some light on future advancement.

Automated summary

With the increasing popularity of personal wearable electronic devices, the demand for better energy supply and adaptability is growing. Wearable aqueous metal-air batteries, characterized by high energy densities and safety, have shown great potential to meet these requirements. This comprehensive summary discusses the recent advances in wearable aqueous metal-air battery systems, including their design, materials, and optimization. The challenges and future research perspectives are also proposed to stimulate interdisciplinary researchers and promote further advancements.