Abstract: A mesoporous piezoelectric or ferroelectric (FE) Al2O3/P(VDF-TrFE) membrane can actively suppress anode dendrites formation when used as a separator in rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries. When the positive polarization side of the FE separator faces the metal anode during charging, the FE separator can reverse the local energetics for Zn2+ reduction at the protrusion area and deplete incoming Zn2+ ions to the flat region. As a result, the symmetric Zn—Zn cell with this P+ separator can achieve a substantially higher cycling stability.

Abstract: A post-ALD in-situ water treatment procedure is used to remove the ligand residues in amorphous TiO2 films coated on photoanode material to improve the film stoichiometry without introducing any additional crystallization. The processed amorphous TiO2 film showed drastically improved chemical stability, and thereby substantially elongated the lifetime of silicon-based photoanodes in alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: A transient or biodegradable battery is provided having a filament structure that limits the speed of reaction allowing for a longer duration of battery power with a controlled current limit. In one embodiment, the filament may be constructed of zinc microparticles or nanoparticles having a thin outer insulation whereby a chemical reaction at the center core results in the progressive disintegration of the insulation revealing more core material. In one embodiment, microparticles or nanoparticles are coated with outer layers of chitosan and Al2O3 nanofilms, respectively, with designable discharge current and battery lifespan by controlling the exposed cross-sectional area of the zinc microparticle center core and the length of the filament, respectively. This novel structure of biodegradable battery provides improved control of battery life and power output, providing a promising solution to power transient medical implants.

Abstract: A transient or biodegradable battery is provided having a filament structure that limits the speed of reaction allowing for a longer duration of battery power with a controlled current limit. In one embodiment, the filament may be constructed of zinc microparticles or nanoparticles having a thin outer insulation whereby a chemical reaction at the center core results in the progressive disintegration of the insulation revealing more core material. In one embodiment, microparticles or nanoparticles are coated with outer layers of chitosan and Al2O3 nanofilms, respectively, with designable discharge current and battery lifespan by controlling the exposed cross-sectional area of the zinc microparticle center core and the length of the filament, respectively. This novel structure of biodegradable battery provides improved control of battery life and power output, providing a promising solution to power transient medical implants.