Advancing low-dimensional flexible energy devices for wearable technology
This perspective article discusses the research, issues, and prospects of flexible batteries and supercapacitors in terms of one- and two-dimensions, as well as their stretchable, bendable, and twistable properties.
Fabrication strategy for metallic nanowires flexible transparent electrodes with high uniformity
Non-Ir based catalysts for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction: progress and challenges
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysis is the key to solve the problem of hydrogen production by hydrolyzing water and secondary metal–air batteries.
Conjugated microporous polymers: their synthesis and potential applications in flexible electrodes
In this review, first, the synthesis of CMPs is reviewed. Second, the application of CMPs in flexible electronics is emphatically introduced. Finally, the problems and challenges of CMPs in flexible electrode materials are discussed.
Insights into electrolyte flooding in flexible gas diffusion electrodes for CO2 electrolysis: from mechanisms to effective mitigation strategies
This review aims to offer insights into the fundamental mechanisms of triggering electrolyte flooding in GDEs for CO2 electrolysis approaches for characterizing flooding, and potential strategies for mitigating electrolyte flooding.
Review Article
Anode-free lithium metal batteries: a promising flexible energy storage system
The anode-free lithium metal battery is characterized by light weight, low cost, high-energy density, and high safety and shows great potential for the application of flexible devices.
Flexible resistive tactile pressure sensors
This review covers recent advancements in flexible resistive tactile pressure sensors, including operational principles, performance metrics, material choices, structural design, and applications, as well as future challenges.
Recent progress in polyaniline-based chemiresistive flexible gas sensors: design, nanostructures, and composite materials
An overview of nanostructured PANI gas sensors and chemiresistive or heterojunction-based PANI composite gas sensors.
Dual design of electrode and electrolyte ensures flexible symmetric micro-supercapacitors with high energy density
Nitridation-boosted V eg occupation of a VN@CNT flexible electrode for high-rate Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors
Flexible Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (f-ZHSCs), with inherent safety, combine the advantages of the high power density of SCs and the high energy density of ZIBs, making them a promising energy supply device for wearable devices.
Strain and defect-engineering on the basal plane of ultra-large MoS2 monolayers attached onto stretchable gold electrodes
Stretching the performance of ultra-large MoS2 monolayers for electrochemical hydrogen generation – flexible and stretchable gold electrodes were fabricated to tune the reactivity of MoS2 monolayers.
2D crumpled nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets anode with capacitive-dominated behavior for ultrafast-charging and high-energy-density Li-ion capacitors
The synergistic effect of abundant mesopore distribution and nitrogen doping enables 2D crumpled nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets as anode materials for Li-ion capacitors with large capacitive-capacities and ultrahigh rate performance.
Co/Li2S of chemical confinement decorated electrochemically stable Co(OH)F nanoarrays enabling dendrite-free flexible 3D Li anodes
The 3D CoS2–Co(OH)F/CC skeleton suppresses Li dendrite growth.
Pore-size tuning of hard carbon to optimize its wettability for efficient Na+ storage
The Na+ reaction kinetics of hard carbon can be enhanced by improving its wettability through pore-size tuning. The optimized carbonaceous anodes with an average pore size of 6.1 nm exhibited the most enhanced Na+ storage capability.
Eye-wearable Ti3C2Tx MXene-based micro-supercapacitor as a power unit for intraocular pressure applications
An eye-wearable Ti3C2Tx MXene-based micro-supercapacitor was fabricated on a soft hemispherical substrate, which can be used as an efficient power unit for intraocular pressure applications.
Foldable chromium vanadate cathodes for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries
A novel cathode material, CrV2.7O4.36·2.85H2O/CNT-rGO, composited with a CNT and rGO framework was developed. The flexible battery assembled with it still has stable electrochemical performance under different folding states.
Highly stretchable GR/TPU strain sensor based on one-step electrospun fibrous yarns for wearable devices
A highly stretchable GR/TPU strain sensor is fabricated based on one-step electrospun fibrous yarns for wearable devices.
A “two-birds-one-stone” strategy to enhance capacitive deionization performance of flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene film electrodes by surface modification
A dual-function strategy is proposed that uses sodium ascorbate to modify Ti3C2Tx MXene for flexible and free-standing electrodes for capacitive deionization, enhancing its oxidation resistance and salt adsorption capacity.
Cobalt-based current collectors for flexible electrodes and their application in lithium–sulfur batteries
A Co-based current collector with high conductivity and light weight can improve the conductivity and battery performance of flexible electrodes.
CoP/CoN heterostructural active centers supported on nitrogen carbon nanorod arrays as freestanding high-performance trifunctional electrocatalysts
Freestanding CoP/CoN heterostructure electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries and water splitting, and the catalytic mechanism was verified based on DFT and experiments.
Multi-mode mechanoluminescence of fluoride glass ceramics from rigid to flexible media toward multi-scene mechanical sensors
First time dual-mode mechanoluminescence in fluoride glass ceramics, transitioning from rigid to flexible media for versatile mechanical sensing.
High-rate and long-life flexible aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion battery enabled by hierarchical core–shell heterostructures
TiN can optimize the conductivity of MnO2, while reducing Zn2+ diffusion barrier and improve the rate performance. The lower formation energy of Zn2+ insertion endows a capacity retention of 101.6% over 2300 cycles for the TiN@MnO2 NWAs/CC.
About this collection
The design and characterization of flexible electrode materials, situated at the confluence of materials chemistry and engineering, holds pivotal significance for society. Through tailoring composition, structure, and mechanical properties, these materials optimize performance and adaptability in flexible electronics. This bears remarkable implications: from wearable health monitors to sustainable energy solutions. The historical trajectory highlights an evolution from rigid electrodes to innovative materials like conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. This progression, propelled by a nuanced understanding of materials chemistry, enables precise manipulation of materials properties.
The field's connection with materials chemistry lies in its ability to engineer molecular structures, surface attributes, and interfacial interactions to fine-tune conductivity, electrochemical performance, and mechanical resilience. This harmony between chemistry and engineering ensures materials not only exhibit exceptional traits but also endure real-world demands. This dynamic interplay of science and engineering catalyses wearable tech, energy storage, and beyond, showcasing the transformative potential of materials chemistry in reshaping technology and enhancing human life.
This themed collection of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Guest Edited by Professor Xiu Song (George) Zhao (Qingdao University, China), Professor Hui Ying Yang (Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore) and Professor Li Qiang (Qingdao University, China), aims to provide a platform for recent developments in this field of design and characterization of flexible electrode materials. We hope that readers find this themed collection informative and useful.