Gamma(ɣ)‑MnO_(2)/rGO Fibered Cathode Fabrication from Wet Spinning and Dip Coating Techniques for Cable‑Shaped Zn‑Ion Batteries

Cable/fber-shaped Zn-ion batteries are designed to power wearable electronics that require high fexibility to operate on human body.However,one of technical challenges of these devices is the complexity and high cost for manufacturing fbered cathode.In this work,we demonstrated gamma manganese oxide(ɣ-MnO_(2))/reduced graphene oxide(rGO)fbered cathode fabrication using facile and cost-efective fber production and active material coating techniques.Specifcally,rGO fbers were fabricated via wet spinning,followed by chemical reduction with hydroiodic acid(HI).The synthesized rGO fber bundle was then dip-coated with a mixture ofɣ-MnO_(2),carbon black or multi-walled carbon nanotubes,and xanthan gum or polyvinylidene fuoride binder to obtainɣ-MnO_(2)/rGO fbered cathode.We studied the efect of binders and conductive materials on physical properties and electrochemical performance of the fbered cathode.It was found that hydrophobic binder had more benefts than hydrophilic binder by providing higher active material loading,better coating layer homogeneity,and more stable electrochemical performance.Cable-shaped Zn-ion batteries(CSZIBs)were then assembled by using theɣ-MnO_(2)/rGO fbered cathode,Zn wire anode,and xanthan gum polymeric gel electrolyte with 2 M ZnSO_(4) and 0.2 M MnSO_(4) salts without a separator.We investigated the battery assembling procedure on a glass slide(prototype ZIB)and in a plastic tube(cable-shaped ZIB),and evaluated their electrochemical performance.The CSZIB showed promising maximum capacity of~230 mAh/g with moderate cycling stability(80%capacity retention after 200 cycles)and high fexibility by maintaining the potential after consecutive pressing for 200 times under controlled pressing distance,duration,and testing speed.Finally,we explored ion intercalation behaviours and proposed a H^(+)/Zn^(2+)co-intercalation mechanism in ZIB withɣ-MnO_(2) active material.

Separator threads in yarn-shaped supercapacitors to avoid short-circuiting upon length

Yarn-shaped supercapacitors(YSCs)are becoming promising energy-supply units with decent mechanical flexibility to be integrated into e-textiles in various shapes and locations.However,a robust YSC configuration that can provide long-term and reliable power output,especially after rigorous weaving and knitting processes,as well as all kinds of end uses,is yet to be established.Most YSCs today still suffer from short-circuiting upon length,primarily due to the structure failure of gel electrolyte that also works as the separator.Herein,we report the incorporation of separator threads in a twisted YSC,to withstand repetitive mechanical deformations.Separator threads are wrapped outside of yarn electrodes as a scaffold to accommodate gel electrolyte,while chemistry and wrapping density of these threads are investigated.With processing parameters optimized,we present an YSC configuration that can bear mechanical deformations along almost all directions,leading to reliable power units in woven or knit fabrics.