Sponge-Inspired Super-Lightweight Porous Carbon Nanohybrid Fiber Aerogels: Implications for High-Performance Electrodes

Abstract

In wearable devices and electronic skin, lightweight elastic carbon materials have attracted much attention due to their pressure-sensing and energy-storage functions. This study proposes a method to fabricate three-dimensional elastic carbon nanofiber sponges using carbon nanofibers (CNFs), boric acid, and urea components by electrostatic spinning and high-temperature carbonization processes. Furthermore, carbon aerogels have excellent recoverability and deformability in an extended operating range. Incorporation of the material into the operating environment of supercapacitors impressively demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical flexibility. The development of highly elastic and superhydrophilic carbon aerogels with tailored mechanical properties is critical to the realization of high-compression supercapacitors and strain sensors. The lightness and elasticity of carbon materials hold promise for wearable pressure sensors for seamless human health monitoring and human− computer interaction. The pursuit of 3D stretchable supercapacitors addresses area-to-area capacitance limitations and compatibility with 3D wearable devices. The design of high-performance electrode materials (e.g., 3D carbon nanomaterials) is critical to advancing the development of electrochemical energy storage devices and providing solutions to the energy crisis and environmental pollution.