Surface Functionalization of Electrodes and Synthesis of Dual-Phase Solid Electrolytes for Structural Supercapacitors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The interface between structural electrodes and solid electrolytes is critical for the electrical-mechanical properties of energy storage systems.
• Improving ion conduction efficiency at this interface is essential for developing high-performance composite supercapacitors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a surface functionalization method for structural electrodes to enhance ion conduction at the electrode-electrolyte interface.
• To investigate the impact of this functionalization on the electrochemical and mechanical properties of composite supercapacitors.

Main Methods:

• A novel surface functionalization technique was applied to manganese dioxide (MnO₂)-coated carbon fiber (CF) electrodes.
• These functionalized electrodes were integrated into composite supercapacitors utilizing a dual-phase solid electrolyte composed of epoxy and ionic liquid (IL).
• Electrochemical performance (areal capacitance) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, stiffness) were measured.

Main Results:

• The silane surface treatment of MnO₂-coated CF electrodes resulted in a 300% increase in areal capacitance.
• The functionalization did not compromise the tensile strength of the structural electrodes.
• A dual-phase electrolyte with 40 wt% IL and 60 wt% epoxy demonstrated optimal multifunctional performance, balancing stiffness and ionic conductivity.

Conclusions:

• Silane surface treatment is a highly effective strategy for enhancing ion conduction and energy storage capacity in structural composite supercapacitors.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing next-generation structural supercapacitors with superior mechanical and electrochemical performance.