Abstract

In this paper, a graphene/shape-memory polyurethane (PU) composite film, used for a supercapacitor electrode, is fabricated by a simple bonding method. In the composite, formerly prepared graphene paper is closely bonded on the surface of the PU slice, forming a bi-layered composite film.

Based on the good flexibility of graphene paper and the outstanding shape holding capacity of PU phase, the resulting composite film can be changed into various shapes. Also, the composite film shows excellent shape recovery ability. The graphene/PU composite film used as the electrode maintains a satisfactory electrochemical capacitance of graphene material and there is no decay in the specific capacitance after long-cycle testing, making it attractive for novel supercapacitors with special shapes and shape-memory ability.

Key words: Graphene paper; Shape-memory polyurethane; Composite; Supercapacitor

Conclusion

In summary, we have prepared a novel supercapacitor electrode material, inwhich graphene paper is used as electrochemically active material and PU film is used as shape holding matrix. Based on the good flexibility of graphene paper and the outstanding shape holding capacity of PU phase, the bi-layered graphene/PU composite film can bemade intodifferent shapes Also, the compositefilmshows excellent shape recovery ability. Furthermore, the graphene/PU composite film shows outstanding electrochemical performances, such as high specific capacitance, lowelectron transfer resistance, and good stable cycle life. We believe that, the ideal combination between the advantages from graphene phase (excellent conductivity and good supercapacitive performance) and the advantages from PU phase (excellent shape holding capacity and shape recovery ability) would make it attractive for the next-generations of tunable electrode materials.

Published in Journal of Power Sources(Journal of Power Sources213 (2012) 350e357)