Ice-Template-Induced Highly Interconnected Porous Polymer Gel Electrolytes for Dendrite-Free Flexible Zinc-Air Batteries

Improvingthe performance of quasi-solid-state gel polymer electrolytesis critical for addressing issues at the Zn anode-electrolyteinterface of high-performance flexible Zn-air batteries (FZABs).In this study, a highly interconnected porous poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethyleneglycol) (PVA/PEG) hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated via an ice-crystaltemplate for FZABs. The mechanical toughness and stability of the gel electrolytes can be reinforced by the formation of a PEG-PVAcross-linking network. The three-dimensional PVA/PEG porous skeletongreatly increased electrolyte uptake and accelerated ion transport,leading to high ionic conductivity (42.5 mS cm(-1)). In-situ synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging revealed that thePVA/PEG network can effectively inhibit dendrite growth and the hydrogenevolution reaction. The assembled FZABs exhibited superior cycle stability,high power density (109 mW cm(-3)), and excellentflexibility and structural stability under bending conditions, thusshowing great potential for future applications in flexible and wearableelectronic device technologies.

Automated summary

In this study, a highly interconnected porous poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PVA/PEG) hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated for high-performance flexible Zn-air batteries. The gel electrolytes exhibited enhanced mechanical toughness and stability due to the formation of a PEG-PVA cross-linking network. The incorporation of a three-dimensional PVA/PEG porous skeleton significantly improved electrolyte uptake and ion transport, resulting in high ionic conductivity and improved battery performance.