A flexible zinc-air battery using fiber absorbed electrolyte

The rise of soft electronic devices has promoted the development and application of flexible metal-air batteries (MABs) with deformable properties. Most traditional flexible batteries are made of gel electrolyte. The complicated process, high cost and many limitations hinder the promotion of flexible MABs. In order to improve the structure and performance of flexible zinc-air batteries (ZABs) and hope to provide new ideas and methods for future research and development. Herein, a distinctive cable-type zinc-air battery (ZAB) is proposed. The composite fiber soaked in KOH solution is used as the electrolyte material of ZAB, which not only avoids the complex process of preparing flexible-based electrolyte, but also realizes the transformation from aqueous battery to flexible battery. Benefiting from the high water absorption and excellent flexibility of fiber electrolyte, the assembled cable-type ZAB can operate under various deformation conditions. When the battery performance deteriorates or fails due to water dissipation in the electrolyte, the performance can be recovered by replenishing electrolyte/water. The service life and performance of battery are improved by reducing water evaporation through the outer wrapping method. The successful application of such batteries in various electronic devices guides the future way. • A distinctive flexible cable-type zinc-air battery is reported. • The use of fiber electrolyte transforms the aqueous battery into a flexible battery. • The fiber electrolyte shows excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties. • The assembled fiber-based ZAB exhibits remarkable performance.