Simple way of making free-standing cathode electrodes for flexible lithium-ion batteries

The flexible electrodes used in the lithium-ion battery (LIB) offer an excellent opportunity to be bent and folded without deforming their electrochemical characteristics. However, a flexible electrode does not include metal foil as a current collector, limiting the LIB's flexibility and weakening the mechanical strength. This study fabricates flexible LiFePO₄ (LFP) free-standing electrodes by a scalable and straightforward solution-based etching process. The obtained free-standing electrodes show capacities and bending performances that are similar to the conventional electrodes with aluminum current collectors. This study opens a new avenue for developing a free-standing electrode for low-cost and flexible lithium-ion batteries.