Energy Storage Performance Research Articles

Significantly enhanced energy storage performance in multi-layer polyimide films with nano dielectric layer

Polymer-based composites with multilayer structure were emerging as an effective way to solve the contradiction between high breakdown strength and large permittivity in past decades. However, the incorporating layers in conventional multilayer composite films are usually inorganic thick films, which is not beneficial for the retention of excellent mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. In this work, the multilayer films consisting of micrometer polyimide (PI) and nanoscale TiO2 layer were prepared by spin-coating and atomic layer deposition (ALD), respectively. Carrier migration in PI-TiO2 multilayer films was hindered effectively by the interfacial barrier, as indicated by the results of the Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) tests. Compared to pure PI, both the permittivity, dielectric loss and breakdown strength were optimized in the PI-TiO2 multilayer films. A satisfactory discharge energy density of 6.77 J cm−3 (efficiency >90 %) was obtained in the multilayer films, which is about 5 times higher than that of pure PI. The strategy of constructing heterogeneous interfaces by incorporated nanoscale TiO2 layers is promising for designing high performance capacitors in practical application.

A dual functional Co3O4 thin film with remarkable electrochromic and energy storage performance in the electrolytes of choline chloride and urea

The electrolyte layer plays an important role in ion transport in electrochromic devices, and the optimized preparation of efficient electrolytes can positively affect the conduction process on the electrode surface and at the electrode-electrolyte interface.In this study, we start from a green perspective while improving the performance. Combined with typical eutectic solvents: choline chloride and urea materials. A suitable ratio favorable for the reaction of Co3O4 film is explored and combined with sodium hydroxide, a traditional electrolyte, to enhance the electrochromic performance.The electrochromic and electrochemical properties of Co3O4 films prepared via the sol-gel method in the novel electrolyte were then evaluated. The results show that the performance has been greatly improved, the transmittance rate is 2.5 times higher than the original, the coloration efficiency is 5.8 times higher than the original, and it is more stable and has higher charging and discharging efficiency. This presents a promising avenue for the advancement of oxide films as bifunctional materials for electrochromism and energy storage. The newly developed electrolyte may prove beneficial in enhancing the performance and stability of electrochromic devices through the use of alkaline electrolytes.

Morphotropic phase boundary evolution with synergistic effect of sintering temperature to improve electrocaloric and energy storage performances of lead-free Ba0.95Ca0.05Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCST) ceramic

The designing of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics for application in environment-friendly efficient electrocaloric cooling and energy storage devices is still challenging and need to be considered. A major challenge, however, is how to simultaneously achieve higher polarization and low hysteresis loss at low applied electric field. In this perspective, we comprehensively investigated sol-gel derived Ba0.95Ca0.05Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCST) ceramics by varying the sintering temperature to explore its electrocaloric and energy storage capabilities. The excellent ∆T ∼ 1.03 K, ∆S ∼ 1.32 J/kg.K and high electrocaloric responsivity ΔT/ΔE ∼ 0.34 K.mm/kV at very low applied electric field of 30 kV/cm are obtained for pristine BCST sample sintered at 1400 °C. Additionally, we observed Wrec ∼ 136.18 mJ/cm3 and giant energy conversion efficiency η ∼ 94.29 % under very low applied electric field of 30 kV/cm for the same BCST sample. Our results reveal that control of sintering temperature contributes to a favorable and stable microstructure, including R-O-T phase coexistence and substitutional heterogeneity-induced nano-polar regions (PNRs) which strengthens the Polarization and supports the thin hysteresis loop. Thus all these factors simultaneously contributing to make BCST ceramic as a potential material for applications in advanced electrocaloric cooling and energy storage capacitors.

Enhancement of electrical conductivity and band gap of epoxy/MWCNT/GNP/glass fibers hybrid materials

Polymer composites containing carbon nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because of their special functional characteristics. Characterization of optical and dielectric characteristics was done. To comprehend the impact of nanofillers, dielectric characteristics, UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, and Fourier transform spectroscopy were employed. The role of carbon fillers on metrics, such as band gap energy, absorption coefficient, and dielectric characteristics of nanocomposites was examined to differentiate between the effects of nanofillers. The AC conductivity is explained following the classical percolation theory. The percolation threshold is discovered to be 1 wt.% of a hybrid system of nanofillers consisting of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The presence of carbon nanofillers significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites. The optical band gap energy of nanocomposites was obtained from the Tauc method. The study establishes the relationship between band gap energy and AC conductivity using Tauc’s relation and Jonscher’s power law. The results show that the band gap energy of composites decreases with the addition of hybrid nanofillers, with values observed at 2.65 eV and 2.95 eV, while without fillers of 3.1 eV and 3.05 eV attributed to increased localized states within the bandgap. Composites with nanofillers show an AC conductivity of 1.86 S/m at 1 wt% of nanofillers, compared to 1.52 × 10−6 S/m and 1.09 × 10−6 S/m for composites without nanofillers. The UV–Vis spectra reveal a significant blue shift in the absorption peak when the weight percentage of carbon nanoparticles is increased. The findings of this study point toward the possibilities of the development of novel nanocomposites with enhanced performance for electronics and energy storage.

Hydrated Metal Vanadate Heterostructures as Cathode Materials for Stable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have received a lot of attention in electrochemical energy storage systems for their low cost, environmental compatibility, and good safety. However, cathode materials still face poor material stability and conductivity, which cause poor reversibility and poor rate performance in AZIBs. Herein, a heterogeneous structure combined with cation pre-intercalation strategies was used to prepare a novel CaV6O16·3H2O@Ni0.24V2O5·nH2O material (CaNiVO) for high-performance Zn storage. Excellent energy storage performance was achieved via the wide interlayer conductive network originating from the interlayer-embedded metal ions and heterointerfaces of the two-phase CaNiVO. Furthermore, this unique structure further showed excellent structural stability and led to fast electron/ion transport dynamics. Benefiting from the heterogeneous structure and cation pre-intercalation strategies, the CaNiVO electrodes showed an impressive specific capacity of 334.7 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and a rate performance of 110.3 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1. Therefore, this paper provides a feasible strategy for designing and optimizing cathode materials with superior Zn ion storage performance.

Tailoring surface terminals of Ti3C2Tx MXene microgels via interlayer domain-confined polyphosphate ammonium for flexible supercapacitor applications

The MXene material shows potential for flexible energy storage devices due to its high pseudocapacitance and mechanical flexibility. However, MXene nanosheet self-stacking and –F terminal functional groups can hinder active site and ion dynamics, thus affecting the energy storage performance. Herein, we present an interlayer domain-confined strategy that involves the introduction and crosslinking of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) confined to the interlayer of Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets, which induces gelation of the MXene to form a 3D network structure and enlarge their interlayer spacing. And then the cross-linked APP is converted into nitrogen and phosphorus terminals on Ti3C2Tx MXene via thermal treatment. The nitrogen terminals in the form of the pyrrole nitrogen and pyridine nitrogen, and phosphorus terminals of P–O bonds enhance the activity of the redox reaction and the dynamics of the ions, resulting in the boosted energy storage capacity of MXene. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that nitrogen-phosphorus co-doping modulates the surface electronic states of MXene and contributes to the increase of the electrical conductivity of Ti3C2Tx MXene. As a supercapacitor electrode, Ti3C2Tx MXene with N/P terminals exhibits a higher specific capacitance of 597.8 F/g (1777F cm−3) than the raw Ti3C2Tx MXene (384 F/g). In addition, the quasi-solid state flexible symmetric supercapacitor assembled by Ti3C2Tx MXene with N/P terminals can achieve an energy density of 12.5 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. Therefore, this work provides a new strategy for terminal modification of MXene and high-performance MXene supercapacitors.

Improved high temperature energy storage density and efficiency of polyimide nanocomposites via hindering charge and molecular motions

Electric vehicles and renewable energy consumption have huge demands for high-performance polymer dielectric capacitors. However, the resistivity and breakdown strength of existing polymer dielectrics deteriorate significantly at high temperatures, reducing the energy storage density and charge-discharge efficiency of capacitors below service requirements. The charge transport and molecular chain motion characteristics in linear polymers determine their conductivity, breakdown, and energy storage properties, but the quantitative relationship between them is not clear. An in-situ polymerization method was used to prepare polyimide/Al2O3 nanocomposites (PI/Al2O3 PNCs). Experimental results show that the resistivity, breakdown strength, energy storage density, and charge-discharge efficiency of PNCs increase initially and then decrease with increasing doping content, peaking at 3 wt%. The discharged energy density of PI/Al2O3-3 wt% PNCs at 180°C is 207.52 % higher than pure PI. A conductance-breakdown-energy storage co-simulation model based on charge transport and molecular chain displacement was used to simulate the voltage-current, breakdown, and energy storage characteristics of PNCs. The simulation results are consistent with the experiments. Comparative studies between simulation and experiments show that the independent interface zone between nanofillers and PI hinders charge transport and molecular chain movement, reducing electric field distortion and molecular chain spacing, thereby improving high-temperature breakdown and energy storage performance of PNCs.

Scalable polyolefin-based all-organic dielectrics with superior high-temperature capacitive energy storage performance

Polymer dielectrics capable of efficient and stable operation at elevated temperatures (>150 °C) are urgently needed to meet the stringent requirements of capacitive energy storage in harsh environments. However, the current leading commercially available polymer dielectric, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), can only sustain continuous operation at temperatures below 85 °C due to its limited thermal stability and significant increase in electrical conduction at high temperatures. Here, we present an all-organic polymer composite comprising nonpolar polyolefin and organic semiconductor that demonstrates superior dielectric and capacitive energy storage performance at 150 °C. Notably, the dielectric properties of the polymer composite remain stable across a broad temperature range, exhibiting an ultralow dissipation factor at elevated temperatures. Benefiting from the deep trap energy levels introduced by the organic semiconductor, the composite film achieves one order of magnitude reduction in electrical conductivity. As a result, the composite film attains discharged energy densities of 7.1 J/cm3 and 5.5 J/cm3 with a charge-discharge efficiency of 90 % at 25 °C and 150 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the composite film maintains stable capacitive performance over extended charge-discharge cycles (50,000 cycles) in harsh environments (500 MV/m and 150 °C), along with excellent breakdown self-healing capability. These remarkable performances, coupled with the potential for large-scale production using commercially available raw materials, highlight the practically viability of the composite film for high-temperature capacitive energy storage applications.

Nitrogen-rich nanoporous carbon with MXene composite for high-performance Zn-ion hybrid capacitors

The zinc-ion hybrid capacitor, as a novel energy storage system with outstanding electrochemical performance, low cost, and high safety, has attracted widespread research attention. In this work, we report a hetero-structured composite material, C2N@MXene, obtained by alternately stacking porous carbon material C2N with MXene nanosheets. Theoretical calculations and a series of exsitu characterizations reveal that the introduction of MXene nanosheets not only exposes more active sites of C2N, but also significantly enhances the conductivity and stability of the overall composite material, thereby achieving excellent electrochemical energy storage performance. Consequently, as a cathode material for zinc-ion hybrid capacitors, C2N @MXene achieves a high specific capacity of 240 mA h/g at 0.1 A/g and exhibits outstanding rate performance from 1 to 20 A/g. And the capacitance retention rate remains as high as 94%, after 10,000 cycles of charge-discharge at a current density of 5 A/g. Moreover, based on the C2N @MXene electrode, flexible zinc ion micro-capacitor with high area-specific capacity of 264 mF/cm2 was fabricated using laser cutting technology. We believe that this work provides new research strategies for developing high-performance zinc-ion hybrid capacitors.

Enhancing Energy Storage Performance of 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.15LaFeO3 Lead-Free Ferroelectric Ceramics via Buried Sintering.

Bismuth sodium titanate (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT) ceramics are expected to replace traditional lead-based materials because of their excellent ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics, and they are widely used in the industrial, military, and medical fields. However, BNT ceramics have a low breakdown field strength, which leads to unsatisfactory energy storage performance. In this work, 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.15LaFeO3 ceramics are prepared by the traditional high-temperature solid-phase reaction method, and their energy storage performance is greatly enhanced by improving the process of buried sintering. The results show that the buried sintering method can inhibit the formation of oxygen vacancy, reduce the volatilization of Bi2O3, and greatly improve the breakdown field strength of the ceramics so that the energy storage performance can be significantly enhanced. The breakdown field strength increases from 210 kV/cm to 310 kV/cm, and the energy storage density increases from 1.759 J/cm3 to 4.923 J/cm3. In addition, the energy storage density and energy storage efficiency of these ceramics have good frequency stability and temperature stability. In this study, the excellent energy storage performance of the ceramics prepared by the buried sintering method provides an effective idea for the design of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics with high energy storage performance and greatly expands its application field.

Constructing polyimide-based nanocomposite dielectrics with superior high‐temperature energy storage performance via using ternary structure strategy

To maintain low leakage current and energy storage stability of polyimide at high temperature and electric field, ternary structure strategy is used to construct polyimide-based nanocomposite dielectrics, relating to cross-linked structure, sandwich structure and inorganic filler structure. Based on synergistic effect, energy storage properties of crosslinked polyimide-based sandwich‐structured nanocomposite films is significantly improved, in which cross-linked polyimide composited layers with 2 wt% hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are selected as two outer insulating layers and cross-linked polyimide composited layer with 1 wt% barium titanate nanoparticles is employed as central polarization layer. When volume ratio of middle polarization layer is 10 % (denoted as N-10 T-N), the maximum Ud of 11.6 J/cm3 and η of 87 % are achieved at room temperature. At 150 °C, the Ud of N-10 T-N is 5.1 J/cm3. This study provides the experience for the development of polyimide dielectrics with high capacitive properties over a wide temperature range.

Optimizing Energy Storage Performance in Polymer Dielectrics through Dual Strategies: Constructing “Peaked” Barrieras and Enhancing Carrier Scattering

AbstractDielectric capacitors play a pivotal role in the advancement of electric power systems and emerging energy technologies. However, the deterioration of dielectric performance in energy storage materials at elevated temperatures represents a significant challenge. In this study, organic electron‐scattering agents into polyetherimide (PEI) are introduced, creating a “peaked barrier” to impede charge carrier transport. By doping PEI with an ultralow volume fraction (0.8%) of the organic molecule filler 4‐(dimethylamino)phenylboronic acid (4‐NB), the electron‐repelling nature of 4‐NB is leveraged in order to regulate charge carrier injection and transport in a synergistic manner. Consequently, the discharged energy density of the PEI composite material increases to 7.93 J cm−3 (720 kV mm−1) at 30 °C. At 150 °C, the discharged energy density increases to 5.21 J cm−3 (580 kV mm−1). In both cases, the charge and discharge efficiencies are maintained at 90%. It is noteworthy that the prepared PEI composite material also exhibits excellent charge dissipation characteristics, maintaining stable charge and discharge efficiency even after 50 000 charge–discharge cycles. In summary, the study's design concept systematically optimizes the processes of charge carrier injection, transport, and dissipation. This approach offers a novel perspective for the development of dielectrics that are suitable for long‐term energy storage.

Realizing enhanced energy storage performance of Na0.47Bi0.47Ba0.06TiO3-based relaxors with weak coupling behavior by manipulating phase fraction

Lead-free dielectric capacitors have attracted considerable attention as the core energy storage element of pulsed power systems due to their advantages of fast charging capability, high power density and environmental friendliness. However, the low recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) and narrow operating temperature range have become the bottleneck technical problems limiting its practical application. In this work, a class of weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectrics with excellent Wrec (9.06 J/cm3) and energy storage efficiency (η ∼ 85.3 %) were designed and prepared by manipulating phase fraction. Moreover, the materials exhibit excellent temperature stability with regard to energy storage, with a change in Wrec and η of less than 8 % over a wide temperature range (25 °C − 200 °C). The introduction of Sm(Mg0.5Hf0.5)O3 (SMH) enhances the insulating properties while refining the grains, effectively increasing the breakdown field strength (Eb) of the material. The emergence of weakly coupled nano-microdomains has the effect of suppressing the nonlinear polarization response of the material, which in turn results in a high polarization difference (ΔP). The preceding work presents a universal strategy for the future design and preparation of BNT-based lead-free dielectric capacitors with high energy storage properties (ESP) and good temperature stability.

Ultra-Weak Polarization-Strain Coupling Effect Boosts Capacitive Energy Storage.

In pulse power systems, multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) encounter significant challenges due to the heightened loading electric field (E), which can lead to fatigue damage and ultrasonic concussion caused by electrostrictive strain. To address these issues, an innovative strategy focused on achieving an ultra-weak polarization-strain coupling effect is proposed, which effectively reduces strain in MLCCs. Remarkably, an ultra-low electrostrictive coefficient (Q33) of 0.012 m4 C-2 is achieved in the composition 0.55(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.45Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3, resulting in a significantly reduced strain of 0.118% at 330kV cm-1. At the atomic scale, the local structural heterogeneity leads to an expanded and loose lattice structure, providing ample space for large ionic displacement polarization instead of lattice stretching when subjected to the applied E. This unique behavior not only promotes energy storage performance (ESP) but also accounts for the observed ultra-low Q33 and strain. Consequently, the MLCC device exhibits an impressive energy storage density of 14.6 J cm-3 and an ultrahigh efficiency of 93% at 720kV cm-1. Furthermore, the superior ESP of the MLCC demonstrates excellent fatigue resistance and temperature stability, making it a promising solution for practical applications. Overall, this pivotal strategy offers a cost-effective solution for state-of-the-art MLCCs with ultra-low strain-vibration in pulse power systems.

Evaluating the energy storage performance of polymer blends by phase-field simulation

Polymer blends are regarded as a straightforward and effective method to enhance the energy storage performance of dielectric film capacitors. However, how the components and structures within the blend systems affect the energy density and efficiency remains insufficiently explored in-depth. In this discourse, employing a polymer blend of ferroelectric and linear dielectric phases as a paradigm, we perform phase-field simulations to elucidate the effects of ferroelectric phase volume fractions, geometrical dimensions, and the dielectric constant of the linear phase on the energy storage capabilities. Concurrently, we have devised six divergent blending microstructures to probe the ramifications of structural variances on the overarching performance metrics. We also analyze the domain configurations and switching dynamics under varying electric fields to understand the performance variations and delineate the determinants conducive to superior energy density and efficiency. This paper theoretically establishes the component–content–structure–performance relationships of different polymer blend systems, which is expected to better guide the innovative design of new polymer blend dielectrics.

Polyimide-coated MgO nanoparticles improves high-temperature energy storage performance in polyetherimide-based nanocomposite films

Enhancing the energy storage capacity of dielectric polymers can be achieved by the introduction of inorganic nanoparticles. However, the difference in surface energy often influences the interfacial compatibility of nanoparticles with polymers, consequently limiting their comprehensive dielectric properties. Here, the magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were coated with polyimide (PI) shells via in-situ polymerization, which is beneficial to improve the scattered particles in the polyether imide (PEI) matrix. The PI buffer shell is tightly bound to the PEI matrix through automatic electrostatic interaction making the defects decrease, together with the increased dielectric permittivity (εr) attributed to MgO, significantly enhancing the discharged energy density (Udis) and storage efficiency (η) of the PI@MgO/PEI nanocomposite films in harsh conditions. Thus, the maximal Udis of the PI@MgO/PEI nanocomposites is 4.33 J/cm3 at 150 °C, twice that of the pristine PEI. Even if an η exceeds 90 %, the Udis of 3.83 J/cm3 of 1 vol%-PI@MgO/PEI at 500 MV/m and 150 °C is better than that of the most advanced dielectric polymers.

HBN/PVDF‐HFP and BNNS/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposites as flexible and lightweight dielectric capacitors: High energy storage performance via electrically insulating nanoparticles

AbstractAs the energy demand continuously increases, polymer‐based materials have attracted much attention for energy storage systems as dielectric capacitors due to their higher power density and charge–discharge rate than lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. However, it is necessary to increase the energy density of dielectric capacitors. In this context, poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene), PVDF‐HFP, matrix nanocomposites are produced by solution casting method reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles and silane‐modified boron nitride nanosheets ‐BNNSs‐ (BNNS‐VTS) up to 10 wt.% filler content. The effects of filler content and surface modification of hBN/BNNSs on PVDF‐HFP matrix nanocomposites' microstructure, phase evolution, crystalization behavior, dielectric properties, and energy storage performance are discussed. 4% hBN/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposite demonstrates 641 MV·m−1 of breakdown strength and 23.2 J·cm−3 of discharged energy density due to hexagonal boron nitride's excellent electrical insulating behavior. The achieved values are 3.0 and 10.5 times superior to the values of the neat thin film, respectively, and they are noteworthy among hBN‐ or BNNS‐reinforced PVDF‐based nanocomposites, even in multi‐layered structures. Furthermore, 4% hBN/PVDF‐HFP presents a giant charge–discharge energy efficiency (92%). It is thus demonstrated that hBN/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposites hold a great potential to be used in energy storage applications as flexible and lightweight dielectric capacitors.Highlights PVDF‐HFP matrix nanocomposites for electrical energy storage as flexible dielectric capacitors hBN NPs and silane‐modified BNNSs are reinforced into the matrix by 0–10 wt.%. The effects of filler content and surface modification of hBN/BNNSs are discussed. 4% hBN loading results in 23.2 J·cm−3 energy density and 92% efficiency at 641 MV·m−1 breakdown strength. Those metrics are relatively high in hBN‐ or BNNS‐reinforced PVDF‐based nanocomposites.

Application of metal oxide/porous carbon nanocomposites in electrochemical capacitors: A review

In the past decade, electrochemical capacitors (ECs) have emerged as innovative energy storage devices, attracting considerable interest from both industrial and academic sectors due to their prolonged cyclic stability and impressive power density. Recently, there has been a focus on advancing high-performance ECs by developing electrode material composed of metal oxide incorporated with porous carbon. Integrating metal oxides into a porous carbon structure enhances capacitance, charge storage, and cyclic stability. Furthermore, the porous structure inherent in carbon materials offers efficient ion diffusion and large surface area, thereby augmenting the overall effectiveness of the nanocomposites. Efficient electron and ion transport within the electrode's bulk is achieved through the interaction between electrodes and electrolytes occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface, subsequently increasing the capacitance. This paper summarizes the latest developments in ECs, focusing on key performance metrics such as cyclic stability and capacitance. It also summarizes the recent advancements made in electrode materials, emphasizing the utilization of sustainable feedstocks. As the research landscape shifts towards more environmentally friendly solutions, the incorporation bio-materials into electrode design has gained significant attention. It particularly highlights underlying mechanisms governing the performance of metal oxides/porous carbon nanocomposites in ECs and outlines future research directions aimed at maximizing their potential for next-generation energy storage devices. Additionally, the paper delves into the possibilities and challenges associated with the preparation, and optimization of the structure of metal oxide electrodes incorporating porous carbon to improve energy storage performance in ECs.

Advancing Structural Supercapacitors with Hydrated Polymer

Structural supercapacitors, capable of bearing mechanical loads while storing electrical energy, hold great promise for enhancing mobile system efficiencies. However, developing practical structural supercapacitors often involves a challenging balance between mechanical and electrochemical performance, particularly in their electrolytes. Traditional research has focused on bi-continuous phase electrolytes (BPEs), which typically comprise high liquid content that weakens mechanical strength, and inert solid phases that hinder ion conduction and block electrode surfaces. Our previous work introduces a novel approach with a hydrated polymer electrolyte, demonstrating enhanced multifunctionality. This electrolyte, derived from controlled hydration of PET-LiClO4, forms a trihydrate (LiClO4∙3H2O) structure, where water molecules bond with ions without forming a liquid phase, thereby improving ion mobility while maintaining the base polymer's mechanical properties. This new design also promotes better electrochemical interfaces with electrodes, a significant advancement over traditional BPEs.In this study, we further enhance the performance and processability of such hydrated polymer electrolytes by incorporating polylactic acid (PLA) as the base polymer and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as the salt. The electrolyte, prepared through solution casting and subsequent controlled hydration, consistently remains an amorphous solid solution in both dry and hydrated states, as confirmed by DSC, XRD, and FTIR analyses. Our tests on ionic conductivity and mechanical properties reveal that adding water to the polymer electrolyte substantially increases ionic conductivity while retaining mechanical properties. A specific composition demonstrated a remarkable increase in ionic conductivity coupled with superior toughness surpassing the base polymer. Furthermore, we successfully fabricated and tested structural supercapacitor devices made of composites of carbon fibers and these new electrolytes. The prototypes presented enhanced toughness with significant energy storage performance, demonstrating their vast application potential due to their outstanding multifunctionality.

Tailored Core-Shell Nanostructure Achieved through Atomic Layer Deposition for Superior Energy Storage Performance Application

A distinctive method was employed to construct ultrathin NiO on phosphorous-doped MnO2 nanosheets, utilizing a straightforward hydrothermal process to form a Mn precursor on Ni-foam followed by phosphorous doping through a simple solid-state annealing process and ALD technique. The impact of phosphorous doping was examined by varying the annealing temperature, resulting in a significant increase in oxygen vacancies and electrochemical performance. Additionally, the atomic layer deposition of NiO not only improved electrochemical performance but also ensured cycling stability without impeding the system. By adjusting the thickness of the NiO thin films over phosphorous-doped MnO2, a notable enhancement in electrochemical performance was achieved, as evidenced by the performance of the solid-state asymmetric device. This hybrid approach is expected to pave the way for novel electrode material designs for high-performance supercapacitors, leveraging electroactive metal oxides through ALD coating.