Flexible and stretchable power sources for wearable electronics

作者：Alla M. Zamarayeva, Aminy E. Ostfeld, Michael J. Wang, Jerica K. Duey, Igal Deckman, Balthazar Lechêne, Greg Davies, Daniel A. Steingart, Ana Claudia Arias · 发表于：Science Advances · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1126/sciadv.1602051 · 被引用次数：405 · 研究领域：Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials、Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication、Conducting polymers and applications

Flexible and stretchable power sources represent a key technology for the realization of wearable electronics. Developing flexible and stretchable batteries with mechanical endurance that is on par with commercial standards and offer compliance while retaining safety remains a significant challenge. We present a unique approach that demonstrates mechanically robust, intrinsically safe silver-zinc batteries. This approach uses current collectors with enhanced mechanical design, such as helical springs and serpentines, as a structural support and backbone for all battery components. We show wire-shaped batteries based on helical band springs that are resilient to fatigue and retain electrochemical performance over 17,000 flexure cycles at a 0.5-cm bending radius. Serpentine-shaped batteries can be stretched with tunable degree and directionality while maintaining their specific capacity. Finally, the batteries are integrated, as a wearable device, with a photovoltaic module that enables recharging of the batteries.