Sulfur Vacancies Tune the Charge Distribution of NiCo₂S₄ for Boosting the Energy Density of Stretchable Yarn-Based Zn Ion Batteries

Abstract

Yarn-based batteries with the dual functions of wearable and energy storage have demonstrated promising potential in wearable energy textiles. However, it is still an urgent problem to construct efficient and flexible electrodes while optimize the configuration of yarn-based batteries to maintain excellent electrochemical performance under different mechanical deformations. Herein, NiCo₂S_4−x nanotube arrays with tunable S-vacancies are constructed on carbon yarn (CY) (NiCo₂S_4−x@CY) by a facile hydrothermal strategy. The aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with NiCo₂S_4−x@CY as cathodes exhibit exceptional discharge capacity (271.7 mAh g⁻¹) and outstanding rate performance (70.9% capacity retention at 5 A g⁻¹), and reveal a maximum power density of 6,059.5 W kg⁻¹ and a maximum energy density of 432.2 Wh kg⁻¹. It is worth noting that the tunable S-vacancies promote the surface reconfiguration and phase transitions of NiCo₂S_4−x, thereby enhancing the conductivity and charge storage kinetics. The high reactivity and cycling stability of NiCo₂S_4−x@CY can be related to the discharge products of S-doped NiO and CoO. Furthermore, flexible stretchable yarn-based ZIBs with wrapped yarn structures are constructed and exhibit excellent tensile stability and durability under a variety of mechanical deformations. As a proof of concept, the ZIBs integrated into the fabric show excellent electrochemical performance even in response to simultaneous stretching and bending mechanical deformations. The proposed strategy provides novel inspiration for the development of highly efficient and economical yarn-based ZIBs and wearable energy textiles.

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20221539); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2017M610296); Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(KYCX22_2341); National Natural Science Foundation of China(21201083); Open Project Program of Fujian Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Textile Fibres and Materials(FKLTFM2005); Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers(K2022-31)