Separator threads in yarn-shaped supercapacitors to avoid short-circuiting upon length

Abstract

Yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) are becoming promising energy-supply units with decent mechanical flexibility to be integrated into e-textiles in various shapes and locations. However, a robust YSC configuration that can provide long-term and reliable power output, especially after rigorous weaving and knitting processes, as well as all kinds of end uses, is yet to be established. Most YSCs today still suffer from short-circuiting upon length, primarily due to the structure failure of gel electrolyte that also works as the separator. Herein, we report the incorporation of separator threads in a twisted YSC, to withstand repetitive mechanical deformations. Separator threads are wrapped outside of yarn electrodes as a scaffold to accommodate gel electrolyte, while chemistry and wrapping density of these threads are investigated. With processing parameters optimized, we present an YSC configuration that can bear mechanical deformations along almost all directions, leading to reliable power units in woven or knit fabrics.