Dynamic stretching–electroplating metal‐coated textile for a flexible and stretchable zinc–air battery

Abstract A metal electrode is a significant component of a zinc–air battery (ZAB), but the metal material is usually not elastic, which severely restricts the application of flexible and stretchable ZABs in the field of wearable electronic devices. Herein, we report a flexible and stretchable metal‐coated textile prepared by a dynamic stretching–electroplating based on a wavy spandex textile substrate. Benefiting from the unique woven and wavy structure, the metal‐coated textile shows a high stretchability of 100% and stable conductivity. In situ scanning electron microscope observation during stretching showed that the tensile strain of the metal‐coated textile is mainly attributed to the deformation of the microfiber network at the bottom position of the wave structure. In addition, a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–polyacrylic acid–potassium hydroxide composite hydrogel has been used as the electrolyte. This hydrogel shows excellent ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and water retention properties, which makes it suitable for the semi‐open system of ZAB. Furthermore, a flexible and stretchable sandwich‐structure ZAB, assembled using the above‐mentioned electrodes and electrolyte, operates stably even under rapid stretching/releasing cycle deformation. Because of its facile preparation and low cost, this flexible and stretchable ZAB is suitable for fabrication of large‐area batteries to obtain higher output current and power to drive wearable electronic devices.