Deformation-tolerant, wireless-charging microbatteries for seamlessly integrated omnidirectional stretchable electronics

Abstract

Wireless-charging in-plane microbatteries (MBs) with conformal shape and high-capacity hold substantial promise in advancing the practical applications of complexly configured electronic devices. However, integrating these MBs seamlessly with flexible electronic system remains a challenge as it requires a rational structure design and reasonable materials engineering for the micropower system, ensuring both high compatibility and robust mechanical stability. Here, we present stretchable and wireless-charging dual-plating MBs that integrate seamlessly into circuits through an omnidirectional stretch-contraction strategy coupled with mask-assisted printing. The strain-induced folding structures and no active-material design endow the wireless-charging MBs with reliable deformation-tolerant capabilities, which can sustain ~200% omnidirectional strains and have advantages of an order of magnitude in terms of power and energy densities, compared to the existing in-plane MBs. With the exceptional compatible and elastic properties, a wirelessly charging stretchable display integrated circuit and even intelligent electronic skin are achieved, capable of mimicking human touch to sense the weight, temperature, and shape of objects.