Flexible supercapacitor yarns were fabricated using carbon nanotube network electrodes and a polyvinyl alcohol and phosphoric acid electrolyte/separator. The charge-discharge and impedance spectroscopy characteristics were only minimally affected when the yarn device was wrapped around an 11.5 mm diameter cylinder and tested; showing 11 ohm and 13 ohm series resistance for the straight and cylinder wrapped cases, respectfully. The electrochemical properties were also investigated at different stages during the device fabrication to investigate the evolution of the properties and the extent to which the different components contributed. Drastic decrease in properties occurred after the outer polymer electrolyte coating solidified with the capacitance decreasing from 1.75 F/cm3 to less than 0.4 F/cm3 after solidification. However, prior to the solidification the capacitance and rate capabilities increased in the PVA-H3PO4 aqueous solution. This analysis provides quantitative indication that significant opportunities exist to improve the energy storage characteristics of these novel devices.

Evolution of electrochemical properties during fabrication of flexible supercapacitor yarns

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.