Rapid-polymerization electrolyte architecture enabling high-voltage operation in flexible zinc-air batteries

Flexible zinc-air batteries have emerged as compelling candidates for next-generation wearable electronics owing to their exceptional theoretical energy density and inherent safety. However, persistent challenges including inefficient electrolyte membrane fabrication, suboptimal electrolyte-electrode interfacial adhesion, and limited operational voltages impede large-scale adoption. Herein, we demonstrate a room-temperature rapid-polymerization strategy for synthesizing poly(acrylamide-co-potassium acrylate) solid-state electrolyte membranes using alkali-activated potassium persulfate initiation, achieving full polymerization in 3 min. The membrane exhibits ultrahigh ionic conductivity (0.75 S cm −1 ) and enables flexible zinc-air batteries with a 1.2 V discharge plateau at 10 mA cm −2 and 4200-min cyclability at 1 mA cm −2 , advancing wearable electronics development. Innovative membrane design enables spatially decoupled acid-alkaline integration within a single matrix. Furthermore, the resultant flexible zinc-air batteries demonstrated a breakthrough open-circuit voltage of 2.16 V, representing the highest recorded value among reported flexible zinc-air battery systems. This study's rapid-polymerization membrane technology pioneers efficient solid electrolyte fabrication for zinc-air batteries, effectively resolving interface separation and low-voltage limitations while advancing novel approaches for stable acid-alkaline dual-electrolyte systems.