The market for smart and wearable electronic devices has been growing rapidly, and as a result, there is a need for next-generation energy storage systems that can not only store energy but also have additional color-changing properties. However, current electrochromic devices have certain limitations such as low electrical conductivity, which leads to low efficiency in electron and ion mobility, as well as low storage capacities. These factors have restricted the use of these batteries to flexible and wearable devices.
In a groundbreaking development, 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 has successfully developed a smart electrochromic Zn-ion battery. This battery has the ability to visually represent its charging and discharging processes, thanks to an electrochromic polymer anode incorporated with a “π-bridge spacer”. This spacer significantly increases electron and ion mobility efficiency.
Batteries with electrochromic properties are revolutionary inventions that can visually indicate their charged and discharged states using colors. They can also be used as display devices that effectively reduce energy consumption by controlling solar absorbance for indoor cooling. The research team has managed to construct a flexible and electrochromic smart Zn-ion battery that maintains excellent electrochromic and electrochemical properties, even when exposed to the atmosphere for a long duration or subjected to mechanical deformations.
To enhance the efficiency of electron and ion mobility, the research team designed and synthesized the world’s first π-bridge spacer-incorporated polymer anode. The inclusion of π-bonds in the structure of the battery improves electron mobility, accelerates ion movement, and maximizes ion adsorption efficiency. Consequently, this leads to an increased energy storage capacity. In batteries with a π-bridge spacer, the spacer provides space for quick ion movement. This enables faster charging, a 40% improvement in zinc-ion discharging capacity compared to previous reports, and a 30% increase in electrochromic function. The battery can switch from a dark blue color to transparent when charged or discharged.
If the transparent flexible battery technology is applied to smart windows, they could exhibit darker colors during the day while absorbing solar energy. This makes them an innovative energy storage technique that can block out UV radiation and replace traditional curtains. The potential for energy savings and improved comfort in buildings is immense.
According to Professor Il-Doo Kim, the development of a polymer incorporated with a π-bridge spacer has resulted in the creation of a smart Zn-ion battery with excellent electrochromic efficiency and high energy storage capacity. He believes that this breakthrough goes beyond the conventional concept of batteries used solely as energy storage devices. This technology has the potential to become a futuristic energy storage system that drives innovation in smart batteries and wearable technologies.
The development of smart electrochromic Zn-ion batteries marks a significant advancement in energy storage systems. The incorporation of a π-bridge spacer in the polymer anode has greatly improved the electron and ion mobility, leading to higher efficiency and storage capacities. The potential applications of these batteries in smart windows and wearable technologies are promising, and they have the capability to revolutionize the way we store and utilize energy. With further advancements and research in this field, we can expect to see more innovative battery technologies that contribute to a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
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