High-performance carbon-fiber-based supercapacitors: Enhanced performance through the porosity modification of electrodes containing a redox mediator

Carbon-fiber-based supercapacitors (CFS) are emerging as a prospective option for innovative wearable energy storage devices by reason of their safety, environmental compatibility, and high power density. However, the limited practical application of CFS is attributed to its poor energy storage performance, which is caused by the carbon fiber electrode's limited specific surface area and low wetting ability. To address this, this study developed a CFS with micro-meso porous carbon fibers electrodes and a redox additive electrolyte (CFS-MMRE). The CFS-MMRE showed exceptional energy storage capaability, high specific capacitance of 876 mF cm-2 at 70 & mu;A cm-2, respectively, cycling stability over 5,000 cycles with 70 % capacitance retention at 400 & mu;A cm-2. Moreover, CFS-MMRE possesses mechanical pliability, high achievability, and remarkable energy storage performance, which make them a viable choice for wearable electronic devices.

Automated summary

A carbon-fiber-based supercapacitor with micro-meso porous carbon fibers electrodes and a redox additive electrolyte (CFS-MMRE) was developed in this study. The CFS-MMRE exhibited exceptional energy storage capability and high specific capacitance, along with mechanical pliability and cycling stability. It is a promising option for wearable electronic devices.