Boosting photothermal conversion and energy storage in MXene electrodes through softened wood toward solar-enhanced flexible supercapacitor

Authors

Sailing Zhu, Nanjing Forestry University
Mingzhe Chen, Nanjing Forestry University
Shaowei Wang, Nanjing Forestry University
Weiwei Wu, Nanjing Forestry University
Yiying Yue, Nanjing Forestry University
Qiliang Fu, Nanjing Forestry University
Shaohua Jiang, Nanjing Forestry University
Shuijian He, Nanjing Forestry University
Qinglin Wu, Louisiana State University
Huining Xiao, University of New Brunswick
Jingquan Han, Nanjing Forestry University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

With the development of emerging electronics and the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, there is a growing interest in flexible supercapacitors enhanced through the renewable solar energy. To address this demand, MXene materials with favorable electrical conductivity and photothermal performances have emerged as a promising option for the ideal electrodes. However, their widespread application has been hindered by issues such as severe self-stacking and limited irradiated area. Herein, a porous MXene flexible electrode capable of overcoming these challenges by incorporating softened wood (SW) is proposed for the first time. The selective removal of hemicellulose/lignin from wood renders SW flexible and exposes abundant oxygen-containing groups, forming a porous framework suitable for MXene loading. The polar attraction between these oxygen-containing groups and the MXene suspension facilitates rapid swelling of the SW. Through hydrogen bonding interactions, MXene nanosheets self-assemble on the SW, creating a continuous 3D conductive network. The 3D porous structure of SW enlarges both the contact area of active materials/electrolytes and the effective irradiated area of MXene/sunlight, improving electrochemical properties and photothermal performance. The flexible symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a significant areal capacitance (2225 mF cm−2), outstanding energy density (26.4 μWh cm−2) and notable solar-driven capacitance enhancement of 36 % within only 40 seconds under 1-solar illumination. This study introduces a novel design concept for eco-friendly flexible energy storage devices by integrating MXene with SW, demonstrating a promising pathway for developing sustainable and effective energy storage solutions.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Industrial Crops and Products

Recommended Citation

Zhu, S., Chen, M., Wang, S., Wu, W., Yue, Y., Fu, Q., Jiang, S., He, S., Wu, Q., Xiao, H., & Han, J. (2024). Boosting photothermal conversion and energy storage in MXene electrodes through softened wood toward solar-enhanced flexible supercapacitor. Industrial Crops and Products, 221 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119289