Fabrication of Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanofibers from Immiscible PAN/PVDF Polymer Blends as Electrode Materials

Abstract

Most previous work on the preparation of electrode materials has usually used to grind carbon nanofibers and add non-reactive binders, which lead to limited surface area and lower electrochemical performance in electrode materials. In this study, porous carbon nanofibers were prepared from non-miscible PAN/PVDF polymer blends by electrospinning and carbonization to obtain electrode materials with high performance and high specific surface area. In the process of preparing electrode materials, carbon nanofibers can be directly prepared as electrodes with high-performance and flexibility without adding any inactive materials, such as polymer binders or electronic conductors. Results showed that PF-C-50 has the maximum specific surface area of 773 m2 g−1 and the specific capacitance as high as 181 F/g at the current density of 0.4 A/g and 134 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g. PF-C-80 exhibits a specific capacitance as high as 156 F/g at the current density of 0.4 A/g and 117 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g with the smallest IR drop and Rct. The prepared porous carbon nanofiber electrode improves the electrochemical performance and flexibility of the electrode material. These unique structures and characteristic materials can be excellent candidates for high-performance flexible electrodes, laying a good foundation for wearable devices.