All-in-one and bipolar-membrane-free acid-alkaline hydrogel electrolytes for flexible high-voltage Zn-air batteries

Challenges for large scale applications of rechargeable Zn–air batteries

“…46 Compared with the traditional liquid-state electrolytes, their excellent mechanical properties and safety and exible characteristics lay a foundation for the research and development of exible batteries. [47][48][49] The mainstream trend is to use a solid gel or solid anhydrous membrane [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57] as the carrier to absorb enough liquid electrolyte or adding ionic groups for cell reactions directly during synthesis to achieve the effect of solid-state electrolytes.…”

Aqueous OH−/H+ Dual‐Ion Zn‐Based Batteries

“…Moreover, all‐in‐one and membrane‐free acidic‐alkaline flexible electrolytes based on thermo‐reversible Pluronic® F127 hydrogels were proposed (Figure 9g). [55] By virtue of the unique sol–gel transition property of Pluronic® F127 hydrogel, the acid and alkaline can be decoupled but integrated simultaneously in one hydrogel and maintain high stability, thus avoiding the use of an expensive bipolar membrane. The ionic conductivity of the acidic–alkaline polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) decreases significantly compared with individual acid or alkaline PVA hydrogel electrolytes, in sharp contrast to that of Pluronic® F127 hydrogel electrolytes (Figure 9h).…”

Enhanced Copolymer Gel Modified by Dual Surfactants for Flexible Zinc–Air Batteries

“…28,29 The triblock polymer pluronic F127 has also been applied in flexible zinc−air batteries as gel electrolytes. 30,31 Although the research on GO and pluronic F127 as modifiers has made staged achievements, little progress has been made in the joint application of these two surfactants. Therefore, it is a scientific research topic worthy of in-depth study to explore the improvement of the overall performance of gel electrolytes by two or more surfactants.…”

“…In addition, the environmental adaptability of traditional gel electrolytes is generally weak . The water dissipation or freezing in the gel matrix is particularly serious, which will not only lead to the degradation of electrochemical performance but also affect the normal operation of gel-based equipment. , According to previous studies, additives with specific functions such as inorganic salts, glycerol, and ethylene glycol are added to the prepared precursor solution of the gel polymer to enhance the water retention and freezing resistance of the gel in the environment, but it has little effect on the improvement of mechanical and electrochemical properties. , Moreover, graphene oxide (GO) as an additive is remarkable in improving the mechanical strength and electrochemical characteristics of gel electrolytes. , The introduction of modifiers is an effective way for optimizing the overall quality of quasi-solid electrolytes and gel-based batteries. , The triblock polymer pluronic F127 has also been applied in flexible zinc–air batteries as gel electrolytes. , Although the research on GO and pluronic F127 as modifiers has made staged achievements, little progress has been made in the joint application of these two surfactants. Therefore, it is a scientific research topic worthy of in-depth study to explore the improvement of the overall performance of gel electrolytes by two or more surfactants. − …”