A Flexible Li-Air Battery Workable under Harsh Conditions Based on an Integrated Structure: A Composite Lithium Anode Encased in a Gel Electrolyte

Flexible lithium-air batteries (FLABs) with ultra-high theoretical energy density are considered as the most promising energy storage devices for next-generation flexible and wearable electronics. However, their practical application is seriously hindered by various obstacles, including bulky and rigid electrodes, instability/low conductivity of electrolytes, and especially, the inherent semi-open structure. When operated in ambient air, moisture penetrated from an air cathode inevitably corrodes a Li metal anode, and most of the reported FLABs can only work under a pure oxygen or specific air (relative humidity: <40%) atmosphere, which cannot be regarded as a real lithium-air battery. Herein, the author designed an innovative battery configuration by the synergy of a 3D open-structured Co3O4@MnO2 cathode and an integrated structure: a composite lithium anode encased in a gel electrolyte. A composite lithium anode fabricated through a simple, low-cost, and effective rolling method significantly relieves the fatigue fracture of the lithium electrode. Subsequently, an in situ-formed gel electrolyte encloses the composite lithium electrode, which not only reduces the electrode/electrolyte interfacial resistance but also acts as a protective layer, effectively preventing the lithium anode from corrosion. Consequentially, the battery can achieve more than 100 stable cycles in ambient air with a high relative humidity of 50%. To our surprise, the FLAB remains operational under extreme conditions, such as bending, twisting, clipping, and even soaking in water, demonstrating widespread applications in flexible electronics.

Automated summary

The researchers designed an innovative configuration for lithium-air batteries, utilizing a 3D open-structured cathode and a composite lithium anode encased in a gel electrolyte to achieve stable operation in high humidity environments. This battery can achieve over 100 stable cycles and remains operational under extreme conditions, demonstrating great potential for flexible electronics applications.