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In recent years, there have been significant advancements in Al‐ion battery development, resulting in high voltage and capacity. Traditionally, only carbon‐based materials with layered structures and strong bonding capabilities can deliver superior performance. However, most other materials exhibited low discharge voltages of 1.4 V, especially in aqueous Al‐ion battery systems lacking anion intercalation. Thus, the development of high‐voltage cathode materials has become crucial. This study introduces 2D MoS2 as a high‐performance cathode for aqueous Al‐ion batteries. The material's interlayer structure enables the intercalation of AlCl4− anions, resulting in high‐voltage intercalation. The resulting battery achieved a high voltage of 1.8 V with a capacity of 750 mAh g−1, contributing to a high energy density of 890 Wh kg−1 and an impressive retention rate of ≈100% after 200 cycles. This research not only sheds light on the high‐voltage anion‐intercalation mechanism of MoS2 but also paves the way for the further development of advanced cathode materials in the field of Al‐ion batteries. By demonstrating the potential of using 2D MoS2 as a cathode material, this finding can lead to the development of more efficient and innovative energy storage technologies, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and green energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-air batteries are generally fabricated by rigid and heavyweight materials such as metal or plastic, meanwhile a bulky electrolyte solution either in static or circulation is requisite to ensure their steady operation. Therefore, they are less suitable for powering flexible and portable devices with lower power demand, such as wearable electronics, point-of-care test assays, RFID tags, etc. This work develops a flexible and lightweight Al-air battery with much less electrolyte storage, which is totally fabricated on a cellulose paper. The Al foil anode is embedded inside the paper substrate during paper-making process, while the air-breathing cathode is deposited onto the paper surface using an oxygen reduction ink. Despite its simple structure and low cost, this flexible Al-air battery can deliver a satisfactory power density of 19 mW cm−2 with alkaline electrolyte, and its operation lifespan is as long as 58 h with only 25 mg Al when saline electrolyte is employed. The corresponding Al specific capacity is as high as 2338 mA h g−1. In addition, this battery exhibits an excellent flexibility when facing different bending angles from 60 to 180° and multiple bending times greater than 1000. Furthermore, a flexible current or voltage output can be easily obtained by scaling up or stacking the present flexible Al-air battery, respectively, and the corresponding stacking efficiency is as high as 94%. In the future, non-metal oxygen catalyst will be employed to improve its environmental friendliness, and hot-pressing will be adopted to further increase its robustness to external deformation. • A flexible Al-air battery is developed for powering flexible and portable devices. • Al anode is embedded inside the paper, while ink cathode is deposited on the paper. • Peak power density of 19 mW cm−2 and specific capacity of 2338 mA h g−1 is obtained. • Battery performance is very stable even it is bended to 180° and by 1000 times. • Battery scaling-up and stacking is very convenient and highly-efficient (94%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A printable Al-air battery is successfully developed for the first time by printing the Al ink and the oxygen reduction ink onto a cellulose paper. Currently, the printable Al-air battery can provide an open-circuit voltage of 1 V, a peak power density of 6.6 mW cm−2 and a maximum current density of 40 mA cm−2 when using salt water as the electrolyte. With 6 mg Al, the battery can discharge at 1 mA cm−2 for almost 6 h, leading to a high specific capacity of 951 mA h g−1. It is found that a moderate concentration of the polymer binder and a high concentration of the carbon support are of great importance to the ink functionality, while the hot-press treatment can dramatically improve the electrode performance and robustness. Finally, screen-printed battery prototypes with a specific electrode pattern are demonstrated for powering a small electric fan and a light-emitting diode. The present printable Al-air battery is a novel type of primary power source with low fabrication cost, high energy density and great environmental friendliness, which is especially suitable for powering various disposable printed electronics in the future. Image 1 • An all screen-printed Al-air battery is proposed for powering printed electronics. • The Al ink is composed of Al microsphere, carbon nanotube and cellulose binder. • Peak power density of 6.6 mW cm−2 and current density of 40 mA cm−2 can be obtained. • The battery discharge specific capacity is as high as 951 mA h g−1. • Hot-pressing is found to significantly improve the printed anode integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]