Hierarchical Flake‐Like Zinc Anode for Mechanically Robust and Bend‐Resilient Structural Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Carbon fiber‐based structural zinc‐ion batteries, which integrate carbon–fiber load‐bearing functionality with zinc‐ion energy storage, represent a promising class of multifunctional devices for electric‐powered systems. In this study, we develop a zinc–carbon fiber (Zn‐CF) anode featuring a hierarchical flake‐like morphology, achieved through acid treatment and electrodeposition. This structure offers an extensive electrochemical surface area and facilitates uniform Zn deposition. The pouch cell delivers an enhanced specific discharge capacity of 359 mAh g ⁻¹ at 0.1 A g ⁻¹ and retains 289 mAh g ⁻¹ under 90° bending, corresponding to 88% capacity retention. A proof‐of‐concept structural battery (i.e., assembled with Zn‐CF anode, MnO ₂ ‐CF cathode, and a carbon fiber‐epoxy housing), achieves 310 mAh g ⁻¹ with comparable voltage profiles to the pouch cell. The Zn‐CF anode and structural battery exhibit tensile strengths of 300 and 170 MPa, respectively. These results demonstrate that hierarchical Zn‐CF anodes enable bend‐resilient, mechanically robust structural zinc‐ion batteries suitable for several applications, including electric vehicles, aerospace, and wearable electronics.