Key materials and structural design in flexible and stretchable zinc-air batteries

With the further development of flexible and wearable devices, the research of flexible energy devices has become a top priority. Flexible and stretchable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are considered as the most likely power source of commercially flexible and wearable devices because of its high specific energy and safety. In this paper, the latest progress and proposed optimization of flexible and stretchable ZABs are discussed from three aspects: reaction mechanism, key materials and structural design, in order to provide guidance for the further development of this field. [Display omitted] •This paper describes the reaction mechanisms involved in cathodic and anodic reactions under alkaline conditions as well as mild conditions.•We review and analyze the classification and improvement measures of key materials such as flexible cathodes, solid electrolytes, and flexible anodes from the perspective of stretchable devices.•We have comprehensively summarized the structural design neglected in previous reviews of flexible zinc-air batteries, including simple sandwich structure, cable structure and special structure adapted to stretching.