Silicon-Carbon nanofiber composite film for supercapacitor applications

A free-standing silicon-carbon nanofiber composite film was synthesized, and the film was investigated for supercapacitor applications. High specific capacitance of 206F/g in the three-electrode system and 242F/g in the two-electrode system at the current density of 1 A/g with energy density of 21.6 Wh kg- 1 and the corresponding power density of 401 W kg- 1 are obtained. Specific capacitance retention of 94.6 % and Coulombic efficiency of 87.8 % are also demonstrated after 5,000 cycles. The combination of carbon nanofiber as a support and silicon as an active material finally provide excellent supercapacitor performance.

Automated summary

A free-standing silicon-carbon nanofiber composite film was synthesized and investigated for supercapacitor applications. It exhibited high specific capacitance, energy density, and power density. After 5000 cycles, the film showed excellent specific capacitance retention and Coulombic efficiency.