Standard, rigid batteries may soon be a thing of the past as thin, flexible batteries – made of lightweight materials that can be easily twisted, bent or stretched – reach the market. A new generation of flexible batteries may allow for the seamless integration of technology into fabrics and clothes.
These batteries are typically made from lightweight, thin materials, offering high battery energy density and convenient production processes. Compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, flexible batteries can better adapt to complex shape designs, making them widely applicable in wearable devices, smart homes, and more.
What is the research on flexible batteries?
At present, research on flexible batteries mostly focuses on the development of materials for individual cells. The design of flexible battery packs can significantly enhance battery energy density and durability.
Are flexible batteries a thing of the past?
The rapidly escalating development of wearable devices, flexible electronics and bendable displays demands power sources that match the agility of these systems. Standard, rigid batteries may soon be a thing of the past as thin, flexible batteries – made of lightweight materials that can be easily twisted, bent or stretched – reach the market.
However, the practical application of flexible batteries faces great challenges, including the lack of good mechanical toughness of battery component materials and excellent adhesion between components, resulting in battery performance degradation or failure when subjected to different types of deformation.
What are the components of a flexible battery?
Specifically, we first discuss the requirements for constituent components, including the current collector, electrolyte, and separator, in flexible batteries.
Why are flexible batteries becoming a powerful platform?
Flexible batteries are emerging as a powerful platform due to the rise of IoT, and wearable electronics, which cannot be powered by rigid Li-ion batteries. These flexible applications require the rational design of battery materials, structures, and configurations to adapt their shape-changing conditions.