Ni₃S₂Nanocomposite Structures Doped with Zn and Co as Long-Lifetime, High-Energy-Density, and Binder-Free Cathodes in Flexible Aqueous Nickel-Zinc Batteries

Flexible rechargeable Zn//Ni batteries are attractive owing to their high energy density, good safety, inexpensive cost, and simple manufacturing process. However, the effects of metal doping on the properties of Ni3S2 cathodes in Zn/Ni batteries are not well understood. Herein, a binder-free Ni3S2 electrode is doped with Zn and Co and the nanocomposite structures are prepared on nickel foam (named ZCNS/NF) by a simple two-step hydrothermal technique. The ZCNS/NF//Zn battery delivers excellent electrochemical performance such as a working voltage window can be as high as 2.05 V, a capacity of 2.3 mAh cm-2 at 12 mA cm-2, and 82% retention going through 2000 cycles at 20 mA cm-2. The battery has a maximum output area energy density of 1.8 mWh cm-2 (462 Wh kg-1) and a power density of 36.8 mW cm-2 (9.2 kW kg-1). In addition, the flexible battery remains operational while being bent at a large angle and even punctured. The high performance and robustness of the composite cathode suggest that the design principle and materials have large commercial potential in Ni//Zn batteries.