High-Performance Flexible Solid-State Supercapacitor with an Extended Nanoregime Interface through in Situ Polymer...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• The performance of electrochemical energy storage devices like supercapacitors is critically dependent on the electrode-electrolyte interface.
• Conventional methods often struggle to achieve optimal interface formation, limiting device performance and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and scalable strategy for enhancing the electrode-electrolyte interface in supercapacitors.
• To demonstrate a novel method for in situ polymer gel electrolyte generation within electrode nanopores.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing ultraviolet-triggered polymerization of a monomer mixture within the nanopores of a high-surface-area porous carbon electrode.
• Fabricating a flexible solid-state supercapacitor using commercial-grade electrodes and the in situ generated electrolyte.

Main Results:

• The in situ generated polymer electrolyte resulted in a significantly enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface.
• The prototype supercapacitor exhibited a capacitance of 130 F/g with low internal resistance (0.5 Ω) and 84% capacitance retention after 32,000 cycles.
• The developed system outperformed a conventional polymer electrolyte system (PVA-H3PO4), which showed lower initial capacitance and rapid degradation.

Conclusions:

• The in situ generation of polymer gel electrolytes within electrode nanopores is a highly effective strategy for improving supercapacitor performance.
• The interpenetrated polymer structure contributes to enhanced device stability, low resistance, and excellent shelf-life.
• This approach holds promise for various electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems beyond supercapacitors.