Phase Inversion-Based Microfluidic-Fiber-Spinning Assembly of Self-Supported rGO/PEDOT FiberFabrics Towards Wearable Supercapacitors

Abstract

The demand for wearable electronics is still growing, and the rapid development of new electrochemical materials and manufacturing processes allows for innovative approaches to power these devices. Here, three-dimensional (3D) self-supported reduced graphene oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (rGO/PEDOT) hybrid fiber fabrics are systematically designed and constructed via phase inversion-based microfluidic-fiber-spinning assembly (MFSA) method, followed by concentrated sulfuric acid treatment and chemical reduction. The rGO/PEDOT fiber fabrics demonstrate favorable flexibility, interconnected hierarchical network, large specific surface area, high charge storage capacity, and high electrical conductivity. In addition, the all-solid-state supercapacitor made of these rGO/PEDOT fiber fabrics proves large specific capacitance (1028.2 mF cm⁻²), ultrahigh energy density (22.7 μWh cm⁻²), long-term cycling stability, and excellent flexibility (capacitance retention remains at 84%, after 5000 cycles of continuous deformation at 180^o bending angles). Further considering those remarkable electrochemical properties, a wearable self-powered device with a sandwich-shaped supercapacitor (SC) is designed to impressively light up LEDs and power mini game console, suggesting its practical applications in flexible and portable smart electronics.

Keywords

Phase inversion / Microfluidic-fiber-spinning assembly / Fiber fabrics / Wearable supercapacitors

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(22278225)