Recent advances and perspectives of 1D/2D carbon materials for high-performance flexible zinc ion batteries

Abstract

Flexible zinc ion batteries (FZIBs) have garnered significant attention owing to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, excellent flexibility and advanced security. Nevertheless, the electrochemical performance of FZIBs, such as energy density and cycling life, has yet to be improved compared to conventional rigid Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Due to the excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties exhibited by advanced one or two dimensions (1D/2D) carbon materials, it is increasingly recognized as a key role in constructing the flexible electrodes and improving the capacity, energy density/power density of FZIBs. However, no review comprehensively summarizes the functions and advances of 1D/2D carbon materials in FZIBs to date. In this review, a comprehensive overview on the development background of 1D/2D carbon materials (carbon nanotube, graphene, MXene and carbon fiber), highlighting their great advantages and functions of applications in FZIBs. A Detailed summaries of recent advancements and the current challenges of 1D/2D carbon materials for high-performance FZIBs along with promising strategies are provided. First, the essential requirements and challenges of FZIBs and the fundamental aspects of 1D/2D carbon materials, including the development background and the unique advantages of these 1D/2D carbon materials applied in FZIBs were summarized. Then, the latest developments of these 1D/2D materials in FZIBs, which could be functioned as active materials, conductive networks, current collectors or Zn hosts in FZIBs are discussed. In addition, the application of 1D/2D carbon materials in separators and gel electrolytes are specially emphasized. Finally, the development prospect of 1D/2D carbon materials used in FZIBs is briefly discussed.