Ink to Power: An Organic‐based Polymer Electrolyte for Ambient Printing of Flexible Zinc Batteries
Shiwei Tao, J. Ramírez, Heather M. Shewan, Miaoqiang Lyu, I. Gentle, Lianzhou Wang, Ruth Knibbe
Abstract
Abstract The rapid evolution of wearable devices, the Internet of Things, and flexible displays has underscored the need for thin, flexible batteries. Screen‐printing has emerged as a mature technique for manufacturing these batteries, particularly those using a zinc chemistry. This study presents a commercially viable polymer electrolyte using a low‐cost organic electrolyte solvent, ethylene glycol. This first‐of‐its‐kind electrolyte formulation overcomes challenges associated with either water‐based or ionic‐liquid‐based solvents. The simple fabrication process allows for printing under ambient conditions and eliminates additional processing steps. Rheological analysis confirms that the developed polymer electrolyte is suitable for screen‐printing. Using this polymer electrolyte, a secondary printed battery with a 4 mAh cm − 2 areal capacity is achieved. The study also investigates the mechanical behavior of the printed battery and emphasizes the importance of understanding interfacial stresses and bonding for designing optimal multilayered flexible batteries. This research offers an integrated solution, combining practical printed battery fabrication with battery testing and mechanical characterization, promising advancements in printed batteries and electronics.