Self-healing and repeatedly moldable plasticine-like electrodes

Abstract

Combining the re-moldable and self-healing properties of plasticine with energy storage can yield a novel electrode with excellent shape adaptability, ideal for use in portable and wearable electronics. Here, a plasticine-like supercapacitor electrode material is designed and prepared by incorporating the electrochemically active polypyrrole, ionic liquid, and carbon nanotube into the silicone rubber matrix. Polypyrrole, ionic liquid, and carbon nanotube synergistically regulate the cross-linking degree of silicone rubber, producing a moderately cured silicone rubber matrix that binds the components together and provides plasticity and healing ability. The plasticine-like electrode material shows high specific capacitance and good cycling stability, attributed to the good electrochemical activity of polypyrrole, effective charge transport path formed by carbon nanotube and ionic liquid, and the soft skeleton provided by silicone rubber. Moreover, it can achieve real-time and reproducible healing through mechanical kneading, with both mechanical and electrochemical properties restoring to their initial state. The plasticine-like electrode materials, with their excellent plasticity, self-healing ability, and strong electrochemical performance, hold significant potential for a wide range of applications and can inspire the development of similar materials.