Freestanding 3D Metallic Micromesh for High-Performance Flexible Transparent Solid-State Zinc Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Flexible transparent energy storage is crucial for emerging electronic systems.
• Existing devices face limitations in energy density, safety, and compatibility.
• Advanced transparent electrodes are needed to overcome these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and manufacture a freestanding 3D hierarchical metallic micromesh for flexible transparent alkaline zinc batteries.
• To achieve remarkable optoelectronic properties and super-flexibility.
• To improve the performance of transparent energy storage devices.

Main Methods:

• Photolithography, chemical etching, and electrodeposition were used to create the 3D Ni micromesh supported Cu(OH)2@NiCo bimetallic hydroxide electrode.
• Electrochemically active zinc was electrodeposited onto a Ni@Cu micromesh for the negative electrode.
• Characterization of optoelectronic properties (transmittance, sheet resistance) and electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• The 3D metallic micromesh exhibited high transmittance (89.59%) and low sheet resistance (0.23 Ω sq⁻¹).
• The flexible transparent electrode achieved a specific capacity of 66.03 μAh cm⁻² at 1 mA cm⁻² with 63% transmittance.
• The assembled solid-state NiCo-Zn alkaline battery demonstrated an energy density of 35.89 μWh cm⁻² and power density of 2000.26 μW cm⁻² with 54.34% transmittance.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D hierarchical metallic micromesh is a promising platform for high-performance flexible transparent energy storage.
• The unique nanoarchitecture facilitates high mass loading and efficient charge transport, leading to enhanced energy and power densities.
• This work paves the way for advanced transparent and flexible electronic devices powered by efficient energy storage solutions.