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Investigation of charge and current dynamics in PVA–KOH gel electrolyte-based supercapacitor

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Abstract

Poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA)-based electrolytes can play a vital role in the development of supercapacitors by providing a desirable charge separator layer with an added advantage of stretchable nature. These properties enable them as a global contender in wearable electronics and charge storage applications. In this study, the PVA-based electrolyte has been synthesized with potassium hydro-oxide (KOH) as ionic migration agent, which may enhance the electronic double-layers capacitance (EDLC) phenomena. In order to mechanically strengthen the graphene-based activated carbon, larger pore fabric is utilized for its encapsulation. Post-fabrication analysis of the supercapacitor using the standard imaging/microscopy techniques (scanning electron microscopy, electron-dispersive electroscope, and atomic force microscopy) are carried out as initial diagnostic test. For detailed electrical, optical, and charge-based evaluation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Nyquist plot analysis, current–voltage (I–V) measurements, charged deep-level transient spectroscopy (Q-DLTS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PLs) are performed. The fabricated supercapacitor took ~ 30 min to completely discharge itself at “full load operation.” The band diagram, at carrier transport levels, has also revealed the presence of two possible trap centers which may be responsible for the degradation and/or overall stability of the supercapacitor.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the Pakistan Science Foundation under the provision of PSF-NSFC grant (PSF/NSFC-II/ENG/C-IIUI-06). We are accordingly acknowledge Dr. Saba Ashraf for providing technical support throughout this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Advanced Electronics & Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Hafeez Ur-Rehman, Ahmed Shuja, Muhammad Ali, M. Shahzad Khan & Imran Murtaza

  2. Department of Physics, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Imran Murtaza

  3. School of Advanced Materials, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China

    Hong Meng

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  1. Hafeez Ur-Rehman
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Correspondence to Hafeez Ur-Rehman or Ahmed Shuja.

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Ur-Rehman, H., Shuja, A., Ali, M. et al. Investigation of charge and current dynamics in PVA–KOH gel electrolyte-based supercapacitor. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 33, 2322–2335 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-07432-x

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