Flexible all-solid-state zinc–air batteries (AZABs) paired with flexible perovskite solar cell successfully produce photo-rechargeable zinc–air batteries (PAZABs) that can directly convert solar energy into electrical energy and store it in real-time. The open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of a AZAB directly influences the energy density of PAZABs. However, increasing the V_OC remains a significant challenge. In this work, we designed and synthesized a functional gel electrolyte with multiple ion channels, achieving an impressive V_OC of 1.55 V for the AZABs. This polymer structure enhances OH⁻ transport by increasing the number of N⁺ sites, providing abundant multi-ionic transport channels, and accelerating the storage rate of photogenerated charges. Additionally, the synergistic interaction between N⁺ and –COO⁻ increases the binding energy with H₂O, elevates the electron cloud density at the Zn anode interface, suppresses the formation of ZnO, and improves the cycling stability of the AZABs. The flexible AZABs exhibit a high discharge capacity of 740 mAh·g⁻¹. When coupled with flexible perovskite solar cell, the PAZABs achieved impressive 16.5% overall conversion efficiency, setting a new benchmark among peers.

The development of highly sensitive and rapid-response/recovery room-temperature NH₃ sensors is critically demanded for environmental monitoring and healthcare diagnostics, yet remains scientifically challenging. Inspired by the two-dimensional ordered macroporous structure of peacock feathers, two-dimensional inverse opal (2DIO) polyaniline/silver (PANI/Ag) composites were fabricated via a sacrificial templating method. By integrating the advantages of gas diffusion of highly ordered macroporous structures with the catalytic activity of Ag, significant improvements in NH₃ sensing performance were achieved. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations demonstrated that the 2DIO structure induced vortex effects, which significantly reduced the gas velocity. Concurrently, macroporous channels (~ 240 nm diameter) enhanced adsorption/desorption kinetics. The fabricated 2DIO PANI/Ag sensor exhibited a remarkable response of 1153% to 100 ppm NH₃, with ultra-fast response/recovery times of 3 s/56 s, exhibiting a 420-fold improvement in response/recovery speed compared to pure PANI (126 s/325 s). A further developed wearable detection module successfully discriminated exhalation signals between simulated chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and healthy individuals, providing a new strategy for noninvasive medical diagnosis. In-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in-situ FT-IR) real-time tracking of NH₃ adsorption/desorption processes confirms a chemisorption-dominated sensing mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the charge transfer at the PANI/Ag interface enhanced the adsorption of NH₃, which significantly enhanced the molecular affinity. This study provides a viable pathway for developing high-performance flexible NH₃ gas sensors through an interdisciplinary approach combining structural bionics, simulation optimization, theoretical analysis, and experimental validation.

As a burgeoning energy storage technology, Zn microbatteries (ZMBs) exhibit expansive potential for applications. This article initially presents a method for fabricating ZMBs utilizing interdigitated electrodes, employing advanced techniques such as 3D printing, screen printing, laser etching, and electrodeposition. These methodologies play a crucial role in mitigating anode-related issues, consequently enhancing battery performance. Subsequently, the challenges encountered by ZMBs anodes, including dendrite formation, corrosion passivation, hydrogen evolution, and Zn cycle exfoliation, are thoroughly examined. Lastly, a comprehensive strategy for stabilizing the anode is delineated, encompassing anode material selection, anode structure construction, interface engineering, and electrolyte optimization. In essence, the preparation and fine-tuning of ZMBs present ongoing challenges. With continued research and development efforts, it is anticipated that ZMBs will attain efficient, stable, and secure performance on the microscale, offering enduring and dependable energy solutions for applications in miniature electronic devices and wearable technology.