A bryophyte-like polymer layer protected supercapacitor electrode with enhanced cycling stability

Abstract

Bryophyte-like cross-linked polymer as electrode protective layer greatly improves the cycling stability of the electrode. It exhibited greatly improved electrochemical performance with 176% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. • A bryophyte-like polymer electrode protective layer is designed for the first time. • We suggest a feasible way toward high cycling stability of the brittle electrode. • The protective layer roots in the electrode surface by forming a strong connection. • The composite electrode exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance. An electrode with high cycling stability is critical to build a high performance electrochemical supercapacitor. However, the fabrication of such electrode materials, particularly in a simple, effective manner, has been generally challenging. Here, inspired by the functions of bryophytes in ecological protection, such as the buffering effect, firm roots and fluffy appearance, we have designed a polymer layer protected electrode, which exhibited greatly improved electrochemical performance with 176% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.