Microdrop InkJet printed supercapacitors of graphene/graphene oxide ink for flexible electronics

Abstract

The inkjet printing (IJP) technique is a highly promising technology for fabricating flexible electronics for wearable applications. The latest Microdrop IJP technology was introduced to produce flexible supercapacitors using a readily prepared graphene/graphene oxide ink. Molecular modelling concepts were conducted prior to ink formulation to investigate the interaction between graphene and GO via adsorption interactions to investigate the feasibility of adding GO to G for energy storage processes. Calculations validate that their interaction yields stable, highly reactive, and conductive structures. Molecular electrostatic potential maps reveal excellent charge distribution proposing G/GO as a potential candidate for electrochemical processes. Subsequently, GNPs/GO blend was prepared, leveraging the electric conductivity and high surface area of graphene, and the functional groups in GO to enhance graphene dispersion. Simple and interdigitated supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated without further post-printing complexities. The highly flexible interdigitated supercapacitor (100L) demonstrated notable performance with areal capacitance of 195.1 F m− 2 at 0.4 A.m− 2 , power density of 1199.34 mW m− 2 , energy density of 24.91 mWh.m− 2 , and 80.65 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. The outstanding electrocapacitive performance was ascribed to GO’s abundant functional groups and its 3D open structure. These factors contribute to adding a pseudocapacitive effect and enhancing charge transfer within the electrode channel-like networks.