Stripping Superficial polystyrene sulfonate on PEDOT:PSS via dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid for high-performance double-crosslinked hydrogel in flexible supercapacitor

Abstract

For Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), peeling off the PSS on its surface is a crucial step in improving its morphology and conductivity. Herein, a PVA-PP double-crosslinked hydrogel is developed using a chemical crosslinking method in situ based on PVA matrix. By utilizing dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), the PSS on the surface of PEDOT:PSS is partially peeled off and a distributed porous structure of PVA-PP-DBSA hydrogels is formed. The mechanical properties are greatly improved, with the tensile properties increasing from 90% to 580%. Additionally, the potential window is expanded from 0.8 V to 1.5 V. Furthermore, due to the formation of the pore structure and improved conductivity, a specific capacitance of up to 412 F g−1 (energy density of 131.4 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 1200 W kg−1) is achieved, demonstrating its excellent performance as a flexible and wearable power supply in the future.