Multifunctional 3D electrodes for tunable high-performance hybrid zinc batteries

The high energy density and long cycling life of zinc-based batteries are restricted by the single electro-chemical reaction system. To improve the electrochemical performance of batteries, electrode materials, electrolytes and membranes are regularly modified, while the construction of battery systems is often ne-glected. Herein, a multifunctional electrode was prepared via 3D printing, which successfully coupled the metal oxide/hydroxide-zinc battery (MZB) reaction and rechargeable zinc-air battery (RZAB) reaction. The ultrathick hierarchical 3D electrode provided a tunable capacity for the MZB system, which enabled the possibility for feasible output regulation of this hybrid system. The active material NiCoLDH was discov-ered to undergo structure reconstruction during cycling, which revealed the capacity fading mechanism. The delicate system design and discovery ensured a high-performance battery configuration and revealed the corresponding mechanism, opening a new avenue for developing high-performance zinc batteries.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.