A novel 3D bacterial cellulose network as cathodic scaffold and hydrogel electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries

Xian Yue, Qiuhong Wang, Kelong Ao, Jihong Shi, Xiangyang Zhang, Hong Zhao, Kindness Uyanga, Yang Yang, Walid A. Daoud*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIB) have been subject to intensive research, motivated by the high theoretical specific capacity and relatively low cost of metallic zinc. Nevertheless, cathode dissolution and structural instability result in slow Zn-ion migration dynamics and severe electrode degradation, impeding the development of ZIB. Herein, to our best knowledge, this is the first time a novel 3D bacterial cellulose (BC) network is successfully used as cathodic scaffold to provide sufficient ion pathways and stabilize the host material. Meanwhile, BC hydrogel electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and flexibility enables the use of ZIB in wearable applications. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs)@Mn3O4 are obtained through carbonization of BC network and pre-absorption of Mn salt. The CNFs@Mn3O4/BC electrolyte/Zn full cell possesses a low inner resistance and thus delivers a high capacity of 415.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Further, the full cell shows excellent coulombic efficiency above 99% and capacity retention of 88.2% after 1000 cycles at high current density of 2 A g−1. The charge storage mechanism and stability of assembled batteries, unveiled via ex-situ characterization, confirm the reversible diffusion of Zn2+. A flexible ZIB fabricated via facile lamination shows an outstanding energy density of 179 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, illustrating potential in wearable applications.
Original languageEnglish
Article number232553
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume557
Online published29 Dec 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2023

Funding

The study was financially supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, General Research Fund (Grant no. 11306021).

Research Keywords

  • 3D cathodic scaffold
  • Flexible device
  • Hydrogel electrolytes
  • Zinc-ion batteries

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A novel 3D bacterial cellulose network as cathodic scaffold and hydrogel electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this