Self-Powered Bifunctional Fiber Devices Integrating Alternating Current Electroluminescence and Stable Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract

With the rising demand for integrated, flexible, and self-powered systems in wearable electronics, the separation of energy storage and electroluminescent functionalities has become a critical bottleneck limiting their practical application. This study presents an innovative alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) zinc-ion battery (ZIB) bifunctional fiber electrode (AZ-fiber electrode), fabricated through electrospinning, which integrates conventional electroluminescent materials (ZnS:Cu, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) into a nanofiber layer. Notably, the cross-linking agent in PDMS facilitates the binding of zinc to the nanofiber layer, whereas the modified hydrogel electrolyte enables functional switching. In the context of ZIBs, the photo-initiator composite hydrogel electrolyte significantly enhances Zn²⁺ migration and suppresses dendrite formation. The symmetric cells exhibit an exceptional cycle life of 2000 h (1100 h for fiber cells), along with a high volumetric capacity of 180 mAh cm⁻³ and an energy density of 311.56 mWh cm⁻³. For the alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) device, the thermal initiator ensures phase separation, preserving the integrity of the bifunctional layers and achieving a maximum brightness of 120 cd m⁻². The AZ-Fiber Device is constructed by sharing the battery anode as a common electrode for both the ZIBs and the ACEL, enabling seamless integration. Furthermore, the AZ-Fiber Device can be woven into textiles, with customizable patterns. By incorporating a direct current/alternating current‌ (DC/AC) converter chip, textiles achieve self-powered luminescence. This integrated AZ-Fiber Device, which combines high energy capacity with substantial flexibility, provides a promising platform for wearable energy-luminescence applications.

Keywords

Bifunctional nanofiber / Alternating current electroluminescent fiber / Fiber zinc-ion battery / Self-powered / Bifunctional fiber device / Wearable smart textile

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Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LY21E030023)

Research Institute of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University(SYY2024C000008)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China