Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) nanometal scaffolds have gained considerable attention recently because of their promising application in high-performance supercapacitors compared with plain metal foils. Here, a highly oriented nickel (Ni) nanowire array (NNA) film was prepared via a simple magnetic-field-driven aqueous solution deposition process and then used as the electrode scaffold for the vapor-phase polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). Benefiting from the unique 3D open porous structure of the NNA that provided a highly conductive and oriented backbone for facile electron transfer and fast ion diffusion, the as-obtained poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) exhibited an ultra-long cycle life (95.7% retention of specific capacitance after 20 000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 A/g) and superior capacitive performance. Furthermore, two electrodes were fabricated into an aqueous symmetric supercapacitor, which delivered a high energy density (30.38 Wh/kg at 529.49 W/kg) and superior long-term cycle ability (13.8% loss of capacity after 20 000 cycles). Based on these results, the vapor-phase polymerization of EDOT on metal nanowire array current collectors has great potential for use in supercapacitors with enhanced performance.
Highlights
Supercapacitors are a type of energy storage device with great promise due to their fast dynamic response, high power density, and exceptionally long cycle life compared with conventional batteries [1,2,3,4]. supercapacitors have been employed in a wide variety of applications ranging from portable electronic equipment to hybrid electric vehicles, backup power sources and large-scale power grid management [3,5,6,7]
The nanowire array (NNA) was prepared through a modified magnetic-field-driven selective deposition growth process, which enabled the metallurgical bonding of NNA to the Pd nanoparticle interlayer grown on the Ti substrate
The color change of the NNA from black to dark blue implies the formation of PEDOT on the surface of the NNA film
Summary
Supercapacitors are a type of energy storage device with great promise due to their fast dynamic response (i.e., high rate capability), high power density, and exceptionally long cycle life compared with conventional batteries [1,2,3,4]. supercapacitors have been employed in a wide variety of applications ranging from portable electronic equipment to hybrid electric vehicles, backup power sources and large-scale power grid management [3,5,6,7]. Based on PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0166529 November 18, 2016
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