Achieving enhanced multifunctional performance for structural composite supercapacitors by reinforcing interfaces with polymer coating

Abstract

Carbon fiber structural composite supercapacitors possess the multifunctionality of storing electrochemical energy and withstanding mechanical loads simultaneously, attracting increased attention in electric vehicles, drones, and aircraft sectors. A polymer-based coating was meticulously constructed at the electrode/electrolyte interface to enhance adhesion and stability between active materials and the carbon fiber fabric collector under diverse conditions, especially mechanical stress. Mechanical testing and corresponding physical characterization substantiated the superior performance of the polymer coating. With the protective polymer coating, the optimized structural composite Zn-ion supercapacitor (SZSC), consisting of carbon fiber@active carbon-P (CF@AC-P) cathode, ionogel electrolyte, and Zn anode, displayed a maximum energy density of 164.6 mWh kg−1, at power density of 563.3 mW kg−1. Moreover, the optimized SZSC demonstrated stable operation over more than 8000 cycles at 0.3 mA cm−2 without capacity degradation. The optimized SZSC exhibited a tensile strength of 399.7 MPa and Young's modulus of 11.5 GPa. Furthermore, employing vacuum infusion techniques, the fabricated three-dimensional (3D) wing skin model shell and tube shell curved-surface structural composite Zn-ion supercapacitor component composites showcased exceptional electrochemical performance. These achievements further validate the practicality of 3D multifunctional composites. Consequently, this research presented a practical and straightforward interface engineering approach to develop multifunctional structural devices with remarkable electrochemical and mechanical properties.