Antibacterial triboelectric membrane-based highly-efficient self-charging supercapacitors. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Kun; Qin, Qingqing; Wang, Haifeng; Yang, Ya; Yan, Jian; Jiang, Xingmao
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 36(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: SiO2/Ag nanoparticles -- Supercapacitors -- Triboelectrification -- Self-charging -- Antibacterial; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.04.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Supercapacitors as energy storage components can store but cannot generate electric energy, resulting in the periodical charging issues when sustainably powering electronic devices due to limited capacities. Here we report the feasibility of utilizing two supercapacitors to simultaneously generate and store electric energy by themselves for addressing the periodical charging issues. Flexible supercapacitors were fabricated by using activated carbons as electrodes and polybenzimidazole as both the separator and the solid polymer electrolyte when doped with H3 PO4 . Through the coupling of contact triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, the self-charging capability has been realized due to the ambient wind-induced vibrations of a triboelectric membrane between the two supercapacitors, where it can be easily charged up to 1 V in about 33 s. This research can provide important applications in self-powered electronics and smart windows. Graphical abstract: Supercapacitors as energy storage components can store but cannot generate electric energy, resulting in the periodical charging issues when sustainably powering electronic devices due to limited capacities. To address this issue, we have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing two supercapacitors to simultaneously generate and store electric energy for realizing self-charging functions. The supercapacitors can be charged by themselves instead of connecting to an external power source to directly power some electronic devices such as a red LED. Moreover, the self-charging supercapacitors have antibacterial functions by using SiO2 /Ag-doped polyamide membrane with a doping concentration of about 0.03%. These advantages of the self-charging supercapacitors can provide important applications in self-powered electronics and smart windows. Highlights: We report how to utilize two supercapacitors to generate and store electric energy. The device can be charged by themselves without using an external power source. The device has antibacterial function due to the use of SiO2/Ag-doped nanoparticles.