Batteries and capacitors have been integrated into almost every aspect of our lives. Most research done to improve the performance of batteries and capacitors have been focused on modifying either the anode or cathode in a battery or by modifying the material used for the conductive plates in the capacitor. However, little research has been done on the separator materials used. This is surprising considering the essential role the separator plays in the two systems. One of the primary ways to improve the separators performance is by improving its wettability which will allow for improved transport of electrolyte between the active components. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber separators were fabricated using a technique called electrospinning. To improve the wettability of the PVDF separators a wetting agent was incorporated into the NFs. The wettability of the separators was evaluated using water contact angle measurements. Separator performance was assessed by assembling a capacitor composed of two identical graphene electrodes and using a water-based electrolyte. CV measurements were taken using the assembled capacitors with separators containing varying concentrations of wetting agent. The results showed significantly improved performance of capacitors containing the PVDF composite compared to the untreated PVDF nanofibers. The PVDF composites were also found to perform better than the cellulose filter paper controls which are used in some commercial capacitors.

Wettable PVDF nanofiber composite for separator technology

2019 Spring National Meeting

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