Enhancing the performance of wearable fabric-based supercapacitors through functionalized ink interlayer

Supercapacitors based on flexible fabrics are considered promising wearable energy storage devices due to their skin adaptability and high mechanical properties . However, enhancing the electrical conductivity of flexible fabric substrates and optimizing the loading of active materials remains a challenge. Here, we propose a concept of functionalized ink interlayer to improve the performance of fabric-based supercapacitors. The functionalized ink interlayer not only has good electrical conductivity but also guides the loading of polyaniline (PANI) and facilitates charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface, generating a synergistic effect with the active material. The areal capacitance (323.3 mF cm −2 ) of cotton fabric/conductive carbon oil/ink@PANI supercapacitor is greater than the sum (210.2 mF cm −2 ) of cotton fabric/conductive carbon oil/ink supercapacitor and cotton fabric/conductive carbon oil@PANI supercapacitor. Additionally, the maximum energy density of supercapacitor with ink interlayer is 28.5 μWh cm −2 and the maximum power density is 2057 μW cm −2 . The electrode with ink interlayer can maintain a fast electrodynamic process and the cycling stability is also improved. Finally, interdigital and tree-like clothing appliques were prepared and sewn onto clothing to realize wearable energy storage function using ink@PANI-based electrodes. This work provides important references for the development of fabric-based supercapacitors.