Quasi-solid-state silicon-air batteries with high capacities and wide-temperature adaptabilities

Silicon-air batteries (SABs) have emerged as significant energy conversion devices due to its high theoretical energy density and favorable energy-to-cost ratios. However, their application is limited by low anode utilization, electrolyte leakage and aqueous configuration. According, herein, a PAAK-M-ionic liquid (IL) hydrogel (PAAK-M-IL) has been developed using a hygroscopic IL, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMImCl), as an additive for the twin-chain PAAK-M. This PAAK-M-IL demonstrates a high conductivity of 332 mS cm-1 and a significant water uptake of 1486 % at room temperature. Quasi-solid-state silicon-air batteries (QSSSABs) constructed based on the PAAK-M-IL exhibit a remarkable specific capacity of 184.47 Ah kg-1, achieving a lifespan of nearly 121 h. Crucially, the QSSSABs exhibit excellent stability and practicality across a wide temperature range (-10 °C to 60 °C) and under harsh conditions, such as water immersion, rinsing, and liquid nitrogen soaking. A QSSSAB is capable of powering a digital clock/a music player in extreme weather and adverse environments. This research marks a groundbreaking achievement in the development of high-performance, practical, and adaptable QSSSABs, effectively addressing the challenges of SABs application in practical scenarios and providing a robust technical foundation for their future advancement.