Ultra-flexible lithium ion batteries fabricated by electrodeposition and solvothermal synthesis

Cathodes have been one of the major challenges of flexible batteries. The traditional slurry-based technologies lead to loose interparticle connection, which is vulnerable upon bending. The direct fabrication of cathode materials requires high temperatures, which may destroy flexible substrates. Here we developed an electrodepostion and solvothermal route to conformally coat cathode material on a flexible scaffold. The monolithic electrode enables an ultra-flexible lithium ion battery because of the close attachment of active materials to flexible scaffolds and the interlock effect between the hard shell and soft core. This ultra-flexible battery retains 58.8% of initial capacity even after bending 4000 cycles. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.