Integrated fiber electrodes based on marine polysaccharide for ultrahigh-energy-density flexible supercapacitors

Fiber-shaped supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance and high flexibility have attracted particular attention to meet the ever-growing need of portable and wearable electronics. Herein, we developed an integrated fiber electrode of alginate/PEDOT:PSS@polypyrrole based on marine polysaccharide for constructing high-energy symmetrical fiber-shaped supercapacitors. The swelling of alginate insures definite growth of thin polypyrrole layer in the surface region of alginate/PEDOT:PSS, introducing additional pseudocapacitance through faradaic reaction and thus improving charge transport. The composite fiber exhibits ultrahigh volumetric and areal capacity (567.6 F cm-3 and 1002.4 mF cm-2), which is superior to most of the previous reports. Owing to ultrahigh capacity of the fiber electrodes and their sufficient contact with gel electrolyte, the asfabricated fiber supercapacitor exhibits large specific capacitance of 246.4 mF cm-2, high energy density of 21 mu W h cm-2, and excellent flexibility (97% of initial values after 180 degrees bending). These mechanical and electrochemical properties make the fiber supercapacitor a promising energy storage device for next-generation portable and wearable electronics.

Automated summary

This study developed an integrated fiber electrode based on marine polysaccharide for constructing high-energy symmetrical fiber-shaped supercapacitors, demonstrating outstanding capacity and flexibility.