Disulfonated polyarylene ether sulfone membrane for graphitic carbon nitride/zinc oxide based photo-supercapacitors

Photo-supercapacitors (PSCs) are environmentally friendly devices that directly convert and store solar energy into electricity and have a high potential to eliminate the need for grid electricity for a sustainable future. In this study, lithiated (Li+) biphenol-based disulfonated poly (arylene ether sulfone) random copolymer (BPS) mem-brane has been successfully integrated into graphitic carbon nitride/zinc oxide nanowire composite-based PSC to increase the efficiency and to offer simpler and more cost-effective designs. It has been observed that after UV illumination specific capacitance (C-p) and energy density (E-d) increased 2.8 and 2.7-fold, respectively, indicating that the PSC with BPS-Li(+)performs approximately 3 times better under illumination than dark conditions. Furthermore, at elevated temperatures and 100% relative humidity C-p and E-d of the PSC increased to 23.61 Fg(-1) and 47.22 Whkg(-1) at 85 degrees C, respectively. This enhancement can be linked to the temperature-boosted ionic conductivity of the membrane.

Automated summary

Photo-supercapacitors (PSCs) can convert and store solar energy into electricity, providing a sustainable solution to reduce reliance on the grid. In this study, a lithiated biphenol-based disulfonated poly (arylene ether sulfone) random copolymer (BPS) membrane was integrated into a PSC to improve efficiency and design. Under UV illumination, the PSC with BPS-Li(+) showed 2.8-fold increase in specific capacitance (Cp) and 2.7-fold increase in energy density (Ed) compared to dark conditions. Additionally, at elevated temperatures and 100% relative humidity, Cp and Ed of the PSC increased to 23.61 Fg(-1) and 47.22 Whkg(-1) at 85 degrees C, respectively, due to the enhanced ionic conductivity of the membrane.