Transparent, flexible, and solid-state supercapacitors based on graphene electrodes

In this study, graphene-based supercapacitors with optical transparency and mechanical flexibility have been achieved using a combination of poly(vinyl alcohol)/phosphoric acid gel electrolyte and graphene electrodes. An optical transmittance of similar to 67% in a wavelength range of 500-800 nm and a 92.4% remnant capacitance under a bending angle of 80 degrees have been achieved for the supercapacitors. The decrease in capacitance under bending is ascribed to the buckling of the graphene electrode in compression. The supercapacitors with high optical transparency, electrochemical stability, and mechanical flexibility hold promises for transparent and flexible electronics. (C) 2013 Author(s).