Tunable fabric zinc-based batteries utilizing core-shell like fiber electrodes with enhanced deformation durability

One-dimensional (1D) fiber-based batteries stand as a promising route for next-generation wearable devices, owing to their combined energy storage capability and wearability. However, the development of efficient fiber electrodes and high-quality battery configurations that retain excellent electrochemical performance and garment compatibility while withstanding variable mechanical deformations remains a pressing challenge. In this study, NiCo₂S₄@rGO nanocomposites with stable structures and excellent electrochemical performance were constructed using an in-situ hydrothermal strategy. The highly conductive network of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) improved the electron transport efficiency of the nanocomposites, while mitigating volume changes, structural collapse, and self-aggregation of NiCo₂S₄ nanoparticles during the charging/discharging cycle. As expected, the nanocomposite cathodes in the Zn-based batteries exhibited remarkable discharging capacity (277.11 mAh g⁻¹) and cycling performance (70% retention after 2000 cycles). Subsequently, a composite fiber cathode (NiCo₂S₄@rGO-PU-CNTs) with tailorable length and core-shell like structure was fabricated via wet spinning. Benefiting from the introduced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyurethane (PU), the composite fiber cathode formed efficient dual-conducting networks and stable core-shell like structures, thereby improving the electron transport pathways and mechanical flexibility. Finally, as a proof of concept, the independent NiCo₂S₄@rGO-PU-CNTs cathode and independent Zn@SSY (stainless steel yarn) anode were woven into a knitted fabric, creating tunable serpentine footprint fabric Zn-based batteries with exceptional electrochemical properties (175.29 mAh g⁻¹ and 0.088 mAh cm⁻¹), coupled with remarkable electrochemical stability and mechanical deformation durability. The engineering strategy reported herein provides a promising platform for the quick, facile, and continuous preparation of composite fiber cathodes and tailorable wearable energy textiles.