A one-pot self-assembled AgNW aerogel electrode with ultra-high electric conductivity for intrinsically 500% super-stretchable high-performance Zn–Ag batteries

Abstract

Aqueous Zn–Ag batteries are promising candidates for the energy supply of stretchable and wearable electronics due to their stable voltage output and high energy density. However, due to the weak particle-to-particle connection and the easily falling-off nature of nano-/micro-size Ag powder, the manufacturing of stretchable high-performance Zn–Ag batteries remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel one-pot self-assembled Ag nanowire (AgNW) aerogel cathode with ultra-high electric conductivity (>7 × 10⁵ S m⁻¹, much higher than that of most current collectors), and thereby construct an intrinsically 500% super-stretchable Zn–Ag battery. The multi-directional growth and self-assembly of AgNWs are enabled in one facile polyol reaction, as such AgNW aerogel is produced conveniently without traditional pre-synthesis of AgNW monomers and subsequent high-temperature sintering. The as-fabricated Zn–Ag battery delivers a high energy density of 3.15 mW h cm⁻² and a power density of 6.84 mW cm⁻² with stable voltage and capacity output as well as excellent mechanical durability under heavy deformation, benefiting from the abundant electron-transport paths of AgNWs. With all these findings, this work will facilitate the application of stretchable energy storage/conversion systems, and the proposed ultra-high electrically conductive AgNW aerogel can also be a potential electrode or carrier with excellent performance and stability for stretchable and wearable electronics.