Fabrication and characterization of zinc anode on nickel conductive cloth for high-performance zinc ion battery applications

The development of advanced materials for energy storage is critical to addressing global energy challenges. Zinc-ion batteries offer a promising solution due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. In this study, we enhanced the conductivity of cotton by coating it with electroless nickel, followed by zinc electroplating, to create a flexible material suitable for zinc-ion battery applications. Cotton was coated with electroless nickel at temperatures ranging from 40°C to 60°C for 1 min to 13 min. Subsequently, zinc electroplating was performed with current densities of 0.02 A·cm^‒2 for 60 min, 0.03 A·cm^‒2 for 40 min, and 0.04 A·cm^‒2 for 30 min. The resulting material was used to assemble a battery with an (NH4)2V10O25·8H2O (NVO) cathode. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) confirms the electroless nickel-coating on cotton fabric at 50°C for 9 min resulted in a low electrical resistance of 15 ohms. Subsequent zinc electroplating at 0.03 A·cm^‒2 for 40 min fully interconnected zinc particles. This research demonstrates the significant potential for further development in the field of textile materials for electrical conductivity. It also makes it possible to incorporate materials like silk cloth and other materials in battery components, which will help build more sustainable energy sources in the future.