A high power density paper-based zinc–air battery with a hollow channel structure

Abstract

In light of the surging research interest in disposable electronics, great demands have been imposed on compact power sources. Herein, a paper-based zinc–air battery that takes advantage of a hollow channel structure is reported. Unlike conventional paper-based metal–air batteries and fuel cells that tightly immobilize the electrode on the paper channel, a hollow channel layer containing potassium hydroxide solution electrolyte is sandwiched between the electrodes and paper channel layer. This novel zinc–air battery is capable of delivering a peak power density of 102 mW cm⁻², surpassing state-of-the-art paper-based power sources. The superior power density originates from the boosted electrochemically active surface area of the cathode, which enhances the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics.