Boosting Battery Flexibility: A New Mix of MXene and Rubber for Better Lithium Anodes

Have you ever noticed how batteries in phones or laptops can get damaged if you bend them too much? Well, scientists are working on a solution to make lithium batteries more flexible and durable. One way they are doing this is by using a mix of something called MXene and natural rubber to create a comfy home for lithium ions to hang out in. Think of MXene as a big, porous sponge and the natural rubber as a stretchy coat around it. Together, they form a 3D network where lithium can settle uniformly, preventing those annoying lithium dendrites from forming. This mix makes batteries last longer and keeps them safe from bending damage. Tests showed that a battery made with this combo could be charged and discharged many times, keeping 98% of its power even after 350 cycles. Pretty cool, right?