Abstract
In this paper, additive layer-by-layer fabrication of a fully screen printed monolithic supercapacitor exhibiting performance comparable with supercapacitors prepared using lamination is reported. A novel separator material improves the performance of the monolithic supercapacitor, is easily applicable using scalable processes such as screen and stencil printing, and is based on sustainable biomaterials. The additive monolithic manufacturing offers advantages for system integration and avoids the need of an additional alignment step as needed in the fabrication of laminated supercapacitors. Previously, the monolithically fabricated supercapacitors showed higher equivalent series resistance (ESR) and leakage current than the laminated ones. By using microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and chitosan as separator materials ESR and leakage current were decreased. These disposable and non-toxic aqueous electrolyte supercapacitors are optimized for autonomous sensor systems, for example in Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, with capacitance of 200–300 mF and ESR of about 10 Ω. The new composite separator material consisting of MFC and chitosan has good adhesion on the electrodes and the substrate, is easy to apply using printing and coating processes, and does not diffuse into the porous electrode.Graphic
Highlights
In the near future, it is expected that there will be billions [1] of devices which should all integrate and connect smoothly with the “Internet of Things” (IoT) in different services, for example smart homes, healthcare and industry automation
We have improved the performance by using a novel, bio-derived composite material as a separator, consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), known as nanocellulose, and the polysaccharide chitosan
The chitosan in the formulation with weight ratio 20% MFC + 80% chitosan penetrates into the activated carbon, resulting in bubble generation when the air in the electrode is replaced with the solution, as was observed with the pure chitosan film
Summary
It is expected that there will be billions [1] of devices which should all integrate and connect smoothly with the “Internet of Things” (IoT) in different services, for example smart homes, healthcare and industry automation. IoT devices and sensor networks need non-toxic and inexpensive ways to store energy [1, 2]. Supercapacitors store energy into the electrochemical double-layer at a highly porous electrode surface. The key elements of a supercapacitor are current collectors, electrodes, separator and electrolyte. Printed supercapacitors are usually manufactured by applying two electrodes on the current collectors separately, laminating the electrodes faceto-face while sandwiching the separator between them and applying the electrolyte before encapsulation [7,8,9,10]
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