Abstract

Most reported wearable electronic devices lack self-healing chemistry and flexible function to maintain stable energy output while irreversible damages and complex deformations. In this work, we report a dual-dynamic network electrolyte synthesized by micellar elastomers introduced into strong hydrogel matrix. The gel electrolyte is fabricated by physically cross-linking the borax-polyvinyl alcohol (B-PVA) network as tough matrix and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-poly (propylene oxide) (PPO)-poly (ethylene oxide) (Pluronic) to frame elastic network, followed by immersion in potassium chloride solution. Under the action of dynamic borate ester bond and multi-network hydrogen bond, the as-prepared electrolyte exhibits high stretchability (1535%) and good self-healing efficiency. Based on the electrolyte, we assemble the interfacial compatible micro-supercapacitor (MSC) by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) interdigital electrode printed on cellulosic paper by direct ink writing (DIW) technique. Thanks to the large specific area and compressive deformation resistance of cellulosic paper, the MSC with tightly interfacial contact achieves high volumetric capacitance of 801.9 mF cm−3 at the current density of 20 μA cm−2. In the absence of stimulation of the external environment, the self-healing MSC demonstrates an ideal capacity retention (90.43%) after five physical damaged/healing cycles. Our research provides a clean and effective strategy to construct wearable MSC.

Highlights

  • Owing to the reversibility of borate ester bond, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel is restricted by weak mechanical behavior and insufficient stability, which limit application prospects of the hydrogel

  • To confirm the stability of BPVA-Pluronic hydrogel, two kinds of cuboid-shaped hydrogels are placed for 2 h at room temperature (Figure 1b)

  • The BPVA-Pluronic-5 hydrogel remains unchanged as initial and no spill of solvent is observed, proving the enhancement of stability. This is mainly attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between molecular chains, reducing the density of intra PVA chain hydrogen bonds [12]

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Research has showcased vigorous progress in developing a variety of wearable electronic products including portable biosensor, flexible electrical display and smart watch [1,2,3]. The demonstration of flexible power sources lags behind. To power such late-model electronics, the current energy storage systems need to be redesigned. Supercapacitors possess achieving long life cycles, high power density and efficient charging/discharging speed showing application prospect in wearable electronics [4]. Supercapacitors with traditional structure suffer from twisting, bending or complex deformations, leading to irreversible structural damage and performance degradation. Such faults seriously restrict the applicability and reliability [5]. Requirements for portable applications call for miniaturization, mechanical stability, flexibility and interfacial adhesion capability to construct flexibility electronics

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call