All-Polymer Aqueous Fiber Battery for Sustainable Electronics

Polymer Chemistry Electrical Engineering Organic Polymeric Materials Chemistry Materials Science Engineering Energy Engineering
all-polymer aqueous electrolyte fiber battery sustainable electronics wearable electronics

Academic Background

With the rapid development of wearable electronic devices (such as health monitoring devices and human-computer interaction devices), the demand for flexible, safe, and sustainable power solutions is becoming increasingly urgent. Although traditional lithium-ion batteries are widely used, their rigid structure, safety risks, environmental pollution issues, and reliance on rare minerals make it difficult for them to meet these emerging needs. Fiber-shaped power supplies, with their excellent flexibility and compatibility with textiles, have become a highly promising alternative. Among these, flexible polymer-based aqueous energy storage systems have attracted significant attention due to their inherent safety, flexibility, and use of renewable, recyclable organic electrode materials and environmentally friendly aqueous electrolytes. However, such systems still face challenges such as limited electrochemical stability windows, instability of polymer electrodes, and complex electrode-electrolyte interactions.

To address these issues, researchers are committed to developing new flexible battery technologies, particularly all-polymer aqueous fiber batteries. These batteries can not only meet the flexibility requirements of wearable devices but also reduce environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials, driving the development of sustainable electronics.

Source of the Paper

This paper was co-authored by Maiping Yang, Guangming Tao, Meifang Zhu, and Chong Hou, published in the journal Advanced Fiber Materials in 2024. The authors are affiliated with Donghua University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The title of the paper is All-polymer aqueous fiber battery for sustainable electronics, aiming to explore the fabrication of an all-polymer aqueous fiber battery based on polyaniline (PANI) symmetric electrodes and its application in wearable electronic devices.

Research Process and Results

1. Research Process

1.1 Design of All-Polymer Aqueous Battery

The researchers developed an all-polymer aqueous battery based on polyaniline (PANI) symmetric electrodes. The core innovation lies in the use of an eco-friendly polymer aqueous electrolyte, which consists of 2 M sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI) dissolved in a polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether-water (PEGDME-H₂O) co-solvent system. This electrolyte not only extends the electrochemical stability window but also reduces the reliance on large amounts of salt.

1.2 Battery Fabrication

The researchers prepared flexible all-polymer fiber batteries by coating polyaniline (PANI) onto the surface of precisely designed conductive fibers. The batteries were manufactured on a large scale using industrial polymer fiber manufacturing techniques, demonstrating their excellent processability.

1.3 Performance Testing

The researchers conducted comprehensive performance tests on the batteries, including discharge capacity, bending stability, and electrochemical stability under various deformation conditions. The results showed that the battery maintained stable performance even when bent at 90°, with a discharge capacity of 122 mAh/g.

1.4 Practical Applications

The researchers successfully integrated the all-polymer fiber batteries into wearable electronic devices, such as flexible light-emitting devices (LEDs), demonstrating their potential for practical applications.

2. Main Results

2.1 Electrolyte Optimization

By optimizing the solvation structure, the researchers successfully formed a stable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI), which is crucial for the stable n-doping of polyaniline (PANI). This discovery enables PANI to function as both the cathode and anode, significantly improving the battery’s cycling stability.

2.2 Cycling Performance

Experimental data showed that the battery maintained stable performance even after more than 4800 cycles, demonstrating its excellent durability.

2.3 Flexibility

The battery exhibited excellent electrochemical stability even when bent at 90°, indicating its suitability for various complex scenarios.

2.4 Practical Application Demonstration

The researchers successfully integrated the all-polymer batteries into flexible LED devices, showcasing their potential in wearable electronic devices.

3. Conclusion and Significance

The core innovation of this study lies in the development of an all-polymer aqueous fiber battery based on polyaniline (PANI) symmetric electrodes. By optimizing the electrolyte and electrode materials, the researchers successfully achieved high cycling stability and excellent flexibility in the battery. This battery not only meets the flexibility requirements of wearable devices but also promotes the development of sustainable electronics through the use of renewable, recyclable polymer materials and eco-friendly aqueous electrolytes.

4. Research Highlights

  • Innovative Electrolyte Design: The use of NaTFSI dissolved in a PEGDME-H₂O co-solvent system extended the electrochemical stability window.
  • Excellent Cycling Performance: The battery maintained stable performance even after more than 4800 cycles.
  • High Flexibility: The battery exhibited stable electrochemical performance even when bent at 90°.
  • Practical Application Potential: Successful integration into flexible LED devices demonstrated its application prospects in wearable electronics.

5. Other Valuable Information

The researchers also noted that although this all-polymer aqueous fiber battery has shown great potential in wearable electronic devices, its output voltage and power density still require further optimization to meet a wider range of practical applications. Future research will focus on further improving battery performance, driving wearable devices toward greater intelligence and integration.

Value and Significance of the Paper

This paper provides a new flexible power solution for the field of sustainable electronics by developing an all-polymer aqueous fiber battery based on polyaniline (PANI) symmetric electrodes. This battery not only meets the flexibility requirements of wearable devices but also reduces environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials. Additionally, its excellent cycling stability and high flexibility lay a solid foundation for its application in smart textiles and wearable devices. Future research will further optimize battery performance, promoting its application in broader fields.

Through this study, we can see the immense potential of all-polymer aqueous fiber batteries in driving the development of sustainable electronics. This battery not only addresses many issues of traditional lithium-ion batteries but also provides a safer and more sustainable power solution for future wearable devices through the use of eco-friendly materials.