Effect of NaI/I2 mediators on properties of PEO/LiAlO2 based all-solid-state supercapacitors

NaI/I2 mediators and activated carbon were added into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/lithium aluminate (LiAlO2) electrolyte to fabricate composite electrodes. All solid-state supercapacitors were fabricated using the as prepared composite electrodes and a Nafion 117 membrane as a separator. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements were conducted to evaluate the electrochemical properties of the supercapacitors. With the addition of NaI/I2 mediators, the specific capacitance increased by 27 folds up to 150 F g−1. The specific capacitance increased with increases in the concentration of mediators in the electrodes. The addition of mediators also reduced the electrode resistance and rendered a higher electron transfer rate between mediator and mediator. The stability of the all-solid-state supercapacitor was tested over 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

► All-solid-state supercapacitors are prepared using polymer as electrolyte and mediators as active materials.
► The specific capacitance increased with the increase of the concentration of the mediators in the electrodes.
► The specific capacitance increased by 27 folds with the addition of mediators.
► The supercapacitor can maintain its performance within 2000 cycles of charge/discharge.