Flexible nanocomposite electrode materials for energy applications

Abstract

Flexible energy storage devices have been extensively used as portable and bendable electronic appliances and biomaterials. This niche area has led to a strong interest in terms of research and reviews on polymer, paper and textile – based devices. Polymer – based devices have garnered interest since it has the capabilities to manufacture polymer – based storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. However, polymer – based devices have poor cycling stabilities, high self-discharge rates, and mass transport limitations within thick polymer layers. Paper and textiles are versatile, flexible, porous and cheap compared to other metallic and polymeric substrates. Furthermore, raw materials for making paper and textiles are earth-abundant and renewable. This allows the wide use of paper in a variety of applications. However, paper is non – conducting. This project aims to produce low cost and efficient conductive A4 paper and filter paper by introducing electrically conductive CNT into the paper fibers through a simple and scalable dipping and drying method. MWCNT was mixed with Chinese ink, together with PVA and DI water, to obtain a dispersion of MWCNT – ink suspension. These suspensions were applied to A4 paper and filter paper firstly, through dip-coating and subsequent drying, to form conductive papers. The conductive papers were characterized in terms of microstructures and resistivity. The resistivity of the conductive papers was closely related to the composition of the suspensions, i.e. the contents of MWCNT, PVA and the Chinese ink. The processing conditions of the conductive papers were optimized in terms of their effects on resistivity.