Graphene nanoflake-self stabilized dispersion polymerized PANI hybrids as efficient, binder-free electrode materials for high-performance flexible symmetric supercapacitors

Abstract

In this study, we prepared hybrid electrodes of self-stabilized dispersion polymerized (SSDP) polyaniline (PANI) and graphene nanoflakes by a facile solution intercalation approach. Unlike the conventional electrode preparation methods, the SSDP PANI dispersion was prepared by adopting the secondary doping method. The preparation of hybrid electrodes by a unique combination of these methods eliminates the use of binders and imparts excellent electrochemical properties to these electrodes due to synergistic effects. The optimized electrode (PG 2:1) demonstrates a specific capacitance of 454.9 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g–1 and the symmetric supercapacitor using this electrode, achieved an energy density of 33.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1 kW kg−1. Furthermore, even at a high-power density of 10 kW kg−1, the device delivers an energy density of 25.4 Wh kg−1. Interestingly, the symmetric supercapacitor retains 89.2 % of its initial capacitance even after 10,000 continuous charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g–1. The performance of these devices was also tested for different bending angles and was found to exhibit excellent stability. The superior performance of this hybrid electrode offers significant potential for the development of efficient binder-free flexible supercapacitors for portable and wearable devices.