A multifunctional paper-based supercapacitor with excellent temperature adaptability, plasticity, tensile strength, self-healing, and high thermoelectric effects

Abstract

In recent years, the development of multi-functional supercapacitors with high flexibility and strong environmental adaptability has gradually become a focus of attention. In this work, a multi-functional paper-based supercapacitor with excellent temperature adaptability, plasticity, tensile strength, strong adhesion, and self-healing properties is obtained by introducing PVA and ZnCl₂ into carbonized paper-based materials (APC-PVA@ZnCl₂). The as-obtained APC-PVA@ZnCl₂ supercapacitor has excellent adaptability to the environment, even in a low-temperature environment below zero, still maintaining a high volumetric specific capacitance of 3438.45 mF cm⁻³ and high volumetric specific energy density of 44 mW h cm⁻³. Moreover, the APC-PVA@ZnCl₂ supercapacitor can be stretched beyond 2400–2500% strain, indicating good tensile properties. In addition, the APC-PVA@ZnCl₂ composite can also be used as a sensing material to detect current signals with different characteristics generated by the movement of different parts of the human body, showing excellent sensing performance. Besides, the APC-PVA@ZnCl₂ composite also displays outstanding thermoelectric properties. It is hoped that this work can provide a reference for the development of green multi-functional supercapacitors.