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

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.

Automated summary

By decoupling reactions, the battery's operating voltage has been increased, and the hydrogel electrolyte design has achieved high energy output and long lifespan. Hydrogel electrolytes can be easily regenerated, driving the development of a new generation of sustainable energy storage devices.