CuO nanoparticles embedded in laser-induced graphene for flexible planar micro-supercapacitors

Abstract

Utilizing predefined electrode geometries, laser direct writing technology is employed to intricately inscribe flexible polyimide (PI) films, thereby inducing porous graphene patterned electrodes for flexible planar micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), which greatly facilitates the integration of MSCs into functional devices for power supply. Nevertheless, prevailing challenges confront current flexible MSCs relying on laser-induced graphene (LIG), including the constrained electrochemical functionality of pure LIG electrodes and the uneven incorporation of heterogeneous constituents within LIG electrodes. In light of these challenges, this study delves into the fundamental mechanism underlying the formation of polyimide (PI) films and introduces an innovative approach to uniformly integrate CuO nanoparticles into the poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) precursor solution. The subsequent imidization process culminates in the synthesis of a CuO-embedded PI film. The research progresses to the fabrication of shape-controllable CuO/LIG patterned electrodes utilizing a precision laser direct writing technique, and the subsequent construction of flexible planar MSCs. Harnessing the synergistic interactions between the dual components within the electrode, the resulting MSC possesses an impressive areal capacitance of 6.45 mF·cm-2, coupled with an energy density of 0.896 mWh·cm-2 and a power density of 0.081 mW·cm-2, thus illustrating the potential of this innovative material integration for high-performance flexible energy storage implementations.