Gels (Jul 2024)

Multi-Layer PVA-PANI Conductive Hydrogel for Symmetrical Supercapacitors: Preparation and Characterization

  • Angelica Giovagnoli,
  • Giada D’Altri,
  • Lamyea Yeasmin,
  • Valentina Di Matteo,
  • Stefano Scurti,
  • Maria Francesca Di Filippo,
  • Isacco Gualandi,
  • Maria Cristina Cassani,
  • Daniele Caretti,
  • Silvia Panzavolta,
  • Maria Letizia Focarete,
  • Mariangela Rea,
  • Barbara Ballarin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070458
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 7
p. 458

Abstract

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This work describes a simple, inexpensive, and robust method to prepare a flexible “all in one” integrated hydrogel supercapacitors (HySCs). Preparing smart hydrogels with high electrical conductivity, ability to stretch significantly, and excellent mechanical properties is the last challenge for tailored wearable devices. In this paper, we employed a physical crosslinking process that involves consecutive freezing and thawing cycles to prepare a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogel. Exploiting the self-healing properties of these materials, the assembly of the different layers of the HySCs has been performed. The ionic conductivity within the electrolyte layer arises from the inclusion of an H2SO4 solution in the hydrogel network. Instead, the electronic conductivity is facilitated by the addition of the conductive polymer PANI-PAMPSA into the hydrogel layers. Electrochemical measures have highlighted newsworthy properties related to our HySCs, opening their use in wearable electronic applications.

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