Facile development of flexible cellulose acetate-lead dioxide membrane electrodes for supercapacitor applications

Current work focuses on the development of flexible membranes of cellulose acetate containing lead dioxide for supercapacitor applications. The functionality of cellulose acetate and lead dioxide are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of crystallinity is studied using X-ray Diffraction. The degree of hydrophilicity is discussed by water contact angle measurements. A Universal Testing Machine is used to examine the mechanical properties. The electrochemical performances are illustrated using Cyclic voltammetry, Electrochemical impedance Spectroscopy and Galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The highest recorded specific capacitance is 148 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 40 mA g⁻¹ for a membrane of 1 wt% lead dioxide in cellulose acetate. Capacitance retention of 89% after 5000 cycles is attained. The power density of 56 W kg⁻¹ and energy density of 10 Wh kg⁻¹ is achieved. The cellulose acetate doped with lead dioxide membranes can provide a better electrode material matrix for flexible energy storage.