High-performance, flexible, fibrous supercapacitors from natural jute fibers

Abstract

The utilization of natural fibers in eco-friendly supercapacitors exhibits significant potential within the realm of flexible and wearable energy storage systems. Here, a conductive composite fiber, utilizing natural jute fiber as the base material, is fabricated through a straightforward process that involves the impregnation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) solution followed by the chemical in-situ polymerization of polyaniline (PANI/rGO@JF). The resultant fiber can be directly employed as a fibrous electrode in supercapacitors. PANI possesses remarkable electrochemical properties, whereas rGO enhances rapid electron transport pathways. The PANI-7/rGO@JF electrodes, synthesized via a 7-h polymerization process that leverages synergistic effects, exhibit superior characteristics. As a result, the resulting fibrous supercapacitor achieves an impressive specific capacitance of 229 F g⁻¹. Furthermore, the composite fiber exhibits high knittability, and the integrated supercapacitor exhibits an exceptional specific capacitance of 235.1 F g⁻¹. This environmentally friendly and efficient energy storage device, utilizing natural jute fibers renowned for their superior weavability, demonstrates considerable potential for future portable applications.