Novel P(VDF-TrFE) Polymer Electrolytes: Their Use in High-Efficiency, All-Solid-State Electrochemical Capacitors Using ZnO Nanowires

Abstract

For the first time, an innovative approach using P(VDF-TrFE) as a polymer electrolyte for high efficiency, all-solid-state supercapacitors is presented. The polymer electrolyte was successfully achieved by dissolving P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers in dimethylformamide (DMF). Thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy revealed excellent thermal stability up to 400 degrees C and copolymer's interaction with DMF. Electrochemical capacitors fabricated using P(VDF-TrFE) in DMF and ZnO NWs demonstrated high capacitive performance. Furthermore, the gel electrolyte-based supercapacitors demonstrated excellent mechanical durability up to a bend angle of 120 degrees. Novel P(VDF-TrFE) electrolytes could be a promising approach for applications in flexible, fabric-based, and high-efficiency energy devices.