Biaxially stretchable supercapacitors based on the buckled hybrid fiber electrode array

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biaxially stretchable energy storage units are critical for smart bionic devices and epidermal electronics.
• Existing technologies often lack the required flexibility and durability for advanced wearable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a biaxially stretchable supercapacitor with high performance and durability.
• To explore the potential of porous single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) hybrid fibers for flexible energy storage.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biaxially stretchable supercapacitor using a parallel buckled hybrid fiber array composed of porous single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (SWCNT/PEDOT).
• Utilization of a H3PO4-polyvinyl alcohol gel as a binder and stretchable electrolyte.
• Characterization of the supercapacitor's electrochemical properties, stretchability, transparency, and stability.

Main Results:

• The supercapacitor achieved a superior capacity of 215 F g(-1) due to the reticulate SWCNT film and porous architecture.
• The device demonstrated 100% biaxial stretchability in all directions, attributed to the buckled fiber structure and quasi one-dimensional fiber character.
• The supercapacitor exhibited good transparency and excellent electrochemical stability, maintaining performance after 5000 stretching cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed biaxially stretchable supercapacitor meets the demands for smart bionic devices and epidermal electronics.
• The unique buckled fiber array configuration and optimized materials provide a promising platform for flexible energy storage solutions.
• This work highlights the potential of SWCNT/PEDOT hybrid fibers in advancing wearable electronic systems.