Enhanced Semi-interpenetrating Network Quasi-solid Electrolytes Modified by Hollow Porous Nanofibers for Flexible Zinc-Air Batteries

Thelow ionic conductivity and poor mechanical property of quasi-solidelectrolytes (QSEs) have hindered the practical implementation offlexible zinc-air batteries (FZABs) with a higher energy densityand a longer working time. Herein, inspired by the robust naturalextracellular matrix and good water-retention vacuoles of plant cells,semi-interpenetrating network-structured QSEs composed of rigid quaternaryammonium salt of chitosan-decorated hollow porous polyacrylonitrile-basednanofibers and a soft hydrophilic sodium acrylate (PANa) polymer arefabricated. The cross-linked semi-interpenetrating network structureendows the QSEs with enhanced electrolyte absorption/retention capacity,increased ionic conductivity, and improved mechanical strength. Moreover,the introduction of interconnected hollow porous nanofibers offersfavorable water reservoirs and ion-conduction channels to furtherregulate the OH- flux. As a result, the FZABs assembledwith the bioinspired QSEs exhibit a high power density (126 mW cm(-2)), a long lifespan (100 h), as well as good flexibility.The demonstrated bionic and in situ crosslinking strategies provideenlightening pathways for the design of advanced QSEs for high-performanceflexible energy conversion and storage systems. Enhanced semi-interpenetrating networkquasi-solid electrolytesmodified by hollow porous nanofibers have been applied to sustainableflexible zinc-air batteries.