Metal-free platforms for molecular thin films as high-performance supercapacitors.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Achieving stable electrode-molecule interfaces is crucial for high-performance electrochemical energy storage.
• Controlling chemical functionalization for advanced energy devices remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simple, scalable electrochemical modification approach for graphite rods using anthracene oligomers.
• To investigate the enhanced electrochemical performance of modified electrodes for energy storage applications.

Main Methods:

• Covalent modification of graphite rods (GRs) with anthracene oligomers via an electrochemical method.
• Characterization of electrode performance using galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and AC impedance spectroscopy.
• Fabrication and testing of asymmetrical solid-state supercapacitor devices.

Main Results:

• Anthracene-modified GR electrodes achieved a specific capacitance of ~670 F g⁻¹ with excellent cycling stability.
• Capacitance enhancement is attributed to electrical double-layer formation and proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions.
• Supercapacitor devices demonstrated a specific capacitance of ~155 F g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹, with high energy and power densities.

Conclusions:

• The electrochemical modification with anthracene oligomers offers a promising metal-free strategy for developing high-performance organic thin-film hybrid capacitors.
• The study highlights the importance of PCET reactions facilitated by anthracene's azo groups for capacitance enhancement.
• This approach provides a versatile route for advanced electrochemical energy storage solutions.