Three-Dimensional Reduced Graphene Oxide/Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Composite Open Network Architectures for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) porous nanostructures are promising for flexible microsupercapacitors.
• Their advantages include increased active sites, enhanced ion diffusion, and reduced resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a highly opened 3D network of reduced graphene oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (rGO/PEDOT).
• To fabricate flexible microsupercapacitors using this network with gel electrolyte, omitting conductive additives, binders, and separators.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and stability of the fabricated microsupercapacitors.

Main Methods:

• Laser-assisted treatment and in situ vapor phase polymerization were used to create the rGO/PEDOT 3D network.
• Flexible microsupercapacitors were assembled using the 3D nanostructure and gel electrolyte.
• Electrochemical performance was tested, including specific capacitance, energy density, cycling stability, and coulombic efficiency.

Main Results:

• The microsupercapacitors achieved a maximum specific capacitance of 35.12 F cm^-3 at 80 mA cm^-3 and an energy density of 4.876 mWh cm^-3.
• Remarkable cycling stability was demonstrated with only a 9.8% capacitance loss after 4000 cycles.
• The devices showed excellent coulombic efficiency, comparable to existing rGO-based microsupercapacitors.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D rGO/PEDOT nanostructures provide a promising approach for high-performance flexible microsupercapacitors.
• These microsupercapacitors can be easily integrated into series/parallel arrays for tailored energy storage solutions.
• The work offers a viable method for creating advanced micro-energy devices for wearable electronics.