Fabrication of PEDOT:PSS/rGO fibers with high flexibility and electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

Implantable, flexible and easily reconfigurable supercapacitors with high power and energy densities are considered necessary for the development of portable and wearable electronics. However, obtaining a fiber-incorporating high electrochemical performance and fracture elongation remains a huge challenge. Here, we prepare a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid)/reduced graphene oxide (PEDOT:PSS/rGO) fiber (PGF) with high-quality electrodes for supercapacitors by easily-accessible hydrothermal confinement reaction. The optimized P3G7F exhibits improved electrochemical performance including a high specific capacitance (Cs) of 249.5 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) and good cycling stability. Moreover, after introducing the PEDOT:PSS, the elongation at break of the P3G7F is doubled to 13.9%. A symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) based on the P3G7F displays a high specific energy density of 10.68 Wh kg(-1) at a specific power density of 81.25 W kg(-1). The improved performance of the fabricated composite fiber is attributed to the unique structures of the rGO and PEDOT:PSS and their synergistic effect. This study introduces an opportunity for the development of next-generation flexible and wearable devices. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the preparation of high-quality polymer nanofibers for supercapacitors through a hydrothermal confinement reaction, showing improved electrochemical performance and fracture elongation. The optimized nanofibers exhibit high specific capacitance and good cycling stability, along with excellent energy density and power density for potential applications in flexible and wearable devices.