Recent progress of flexible rechargeable batteries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• The rise of wearable electronics, soft robots, and implantable medical devices necessitates advanced flexible power sources.
• Conventional batteries lack the flexibility required for seamless integration into these emerging technologies.
• Flexible batteries offer bendable, foldable, and stretchable characteristics essential for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in flexible battery technology.
• To classify and discuss various flexible battery structures and types.
• To analyze design principles and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Classification of flexible battery structures into 1D, 2D, and 3D configurations.
• Detailed discussion of five flexible battery types: Li-ion, Na-ion, Zn-ion, Li/Na-air, and Zn/Mg-air.
• Comprehensive analysis of design principles for electrodes, electrolytes, current collectors, and integrated structures.

Main Results:

• Flexible batteries require adaptable components (electrodes, electrolytes, current collectors) for optimal performance and flexibility.
• Advancements in materials and structures have significantly improved electrochemical performance and mechanical properties.
• Various flexible battery configurations (1D, 2D, 3D) and chemistries are suitable for different applications.

Conclusions:

• Flexible batteries are key enablers for next-generation wearable and implantable devices.
• Further research into materials, structures, and design principles is needed to overcome current challenges.
• This review provides guidelines for promoting the practical application of flexible batteries.