Enabling On-Demand Conformal Zn-Ion Batteries on Non-Developable Surfaces

摘要

Conventional power sources encounter difficulties in achieving structuralunitization with complex-shaped electronic devices because of their fixedform factors. Here, it is realized that an on-demand conformal Zn-ion battery(ZIB) on non-developable surfaces uses direct ink writing (DIW)-based nonplanar3D printing. First, ZIB component (manganese oxide-based cathode,Zn powder-based anode, and UV-curable gel composite electrolyte) inksare designed to regulate their colloidal interactions to fulfill the rheologicalrequirements of nonplanar 3D printing, and establish bi-percolating ion/electronconduction pathways, thereby enabling geometrical synchronization withnon-developable surfaces, and ensuring reliable electrochemical performance.The ZIB component inks are conformally printed on arbitrary curvilinearsubstrates to produce embodied ZIBs that can be seamlessly integrated withcomplicated 3D objects (including human ears). The conformal ZIB exhibitsa high fill factor (i.e., areal coverage of cells on underlying substrates, ≈100%)that ensures high volumetric energy density (50.5 mWh cmcell~(?3)), whichexceeds those of previously-reported shape-adaptable power sources.