A Photo-rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Tellurium Battery Enabled by the Janus-Jointed Perovskite/Te Photocathode.

Liu, Hongmin; Wu, Pankun; Wang, Ronghao; Meng, Huanjiang; Zhang, Yaqi; Bao, Weizhai; Li, Jingfa · ACS Nano · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The combination of photo-driven self-powered supplies and energy storage systems is considered as a promising candidate to solve the global energy dilemma. The photo-absorber and the energy storage material are integrated into the photocathode to effectively achieve a high-energy and high-efficiency energy system. In this work, we report the customized <i>Janus</i>-jointed photocathode design (integrating with highly efficient halide perovskite and tellurium composite electrode) and introduce it into the aqueous zinc-tellurium battery. The well-matched energy level of the <i>Janus</i>-jointed photocathode ensures the conversion of the photoenergy into electrical energy by transferring the photoexcited charge between each. As expected, in the photo-assisted recharging model, the decreased 0.1 V charge voltage and the extra 362 mA h g<sup>-1</sup> at 100 mA g<sup>-1</sup> demonstrated the significant merits of saving energy for such a photo-rechargeable Zn-Te (PRZT) battery. When the current density is 1000 mA g<sup>-1</sup>, the specific capacity of the prepared photocathode is 83% higher than that under dark conditions. More importantly, the photogenerated charge by the perovskite under light illumination could also directly photocharge the battery with no external current, indicating the self-powering traits. The rational design in this work is believed to provide a sustainable mode for efficient charging of the aqueous PRZT battery.