The smart and wearable electronic devices market has been experiencing rapid growth, bringing attention to the need for next-generation energy storage systems that not only store energy but also possess color-changing properties. Unfortunately, existing electrochromic devices suffer from low electrical conductivity, resulting in inefficient electron and ion mobility as well as limited storage capacities. These batteries have thus far been restricted to use in flexible and wearable devices. However, a recent breakthrough by a joint research team led by Professor Il-Doo Kim from the KAIST Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE) and Professor Tae Gwang Yun from the Myongji University Department of Materials Science and Engineering is set to revolutionize this field.
In an article published in Advanced Materials, the research team unveiled their groundbreaking development of a smart electrochromic Zn-ion battery. This battery not only serves as an energy storage device but can also visually represent its charging and discharging processes through color changes. The team achieved this feat by incorporating an electrochromic polymer anode with a “π-bridge spacer,” which significantly enhances electron and ion mobility efficiency.
To maximize electron and ion mobility, the researchers synthesized the world’s first π-bridge spacer-incorporated polymer anode. The inclusion of π-bonds within the structure of the battery improves electron mobility, allows for faster ion movement, and maximizes ion adsorption efficiency. As a result, the energy storage capacity of the battery is significantly improved.
Anode-based batteries that utilize a π-bridge spacer offer several advantages. Firstly, the spacer provides space for quicker ion movement, enabling fast charging. Additionally, the battery exhibits an improved zinc-ion discharging capacity of 110 mAh/g, which is 40% greater than previously reported. The electrochromic function of the battery also sees a 30% increase, transitioning from dark blue to transparent when charged or discharged.
The implications of this breakthrough in battery technology are far-reaching. The flexible and electrochromic smart Zn-ion battery developed by the research team maintains its excellent electrochromic and electrochemical properties even after long-term exposure to the atmosphere and mechanical deformations. If this transparent flexible battery technology were to be applied to smart windows, it would enable the windows to display darker colors during the day while absorbing solar energy. This innovation could potentially replace curtains, provide better insulation, block out harmful UV radiation, and become a futuristic energy storage technique.
Prof. Il-Doo Kim expressed his excitement regarding their achievement, stating, “We have developed a polymer incorporated with a π-bridge spacer and successfully built a smart Zn-ion battery with excellent electrochromic efficiency and high energy storage capacity.” He further added, “This technique goes beyond the existing concept of batteries simply used for energy storage. We expect this technology to revolutionize energy storage systems and drive innovation in smart batteries and wearable technologies.”
The development of smart electrochromic Zn-ion batteries represents a significant milestone in the field of energy storage. This breakthrough technology opens up new possibilities for flexible and wearable devices, as well as the potential to revolutionize the way we utilize windows as energy storage systems. With continuous advancements, the future of smart batteries and wearable technologies looks brighter than ever.
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