High-Performance Aqueous Supercapacitors Based on a Self-Doped n-Type Conducting Polymer

Abstract

Environmentally-benign materials play a pivotal role in advancing the scalability of energy storage devices. In particular, conjugated polymers constitute a potentially greener alternative to inorganic- and carbon-based materials. One challenge to wider implementation is the scarcity of n-doped conducting polymers to achieve full cells with high-rate performance. Herein, this work demonstrates the use of a self-doped n-doped conjugated polymer, namely poly(benzodifurandione) (PBDF), for fabricating aqueous supercapacitors. PBDF demonstrates a specific capacitance of 202 ± 3 F g−1, retaining 81% of the initial performance over 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1 in 2 m NaCl(aq). PBDF demonstrates rate performances of up to 100 and 50 A g−1 at 1 and 2 mg cm−2, respectively. Electrochemical impedance analysis reveals a surface-mediated charge storage mechanism. Improvements can be achieved by adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO), thereby obtaining a specific capacitance of 288 ± 8 F g−1 and high-rate operation (270 A g−1). The performance of PBDF is examined in symmetric and asymmetric membrane-less cells, demonstrating high-rate performance, while retaining 83% of the initial capacitance after 100 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. PBDF thus offers new prospects for energy storage applications, showcasing both desirable performance and stability without the need for additives or binders and relying on environmentally friendly solutions.