Binder mediated enhanced electrochemical capacitance in sodium silicate-graphite paint coated filter paper electrodes for all-solid-state symmetric electrochemical capacitors

In this study, we have prepared a conductive paint by mixing graphite powder, fumed SiO2 particles, NaOH and water in a suitable ratio. The paint was coated on the surface of low-cost laboratory filter paper to prepare paper-based electrodes for electrochemical capacitors. Electrochemical parameters such as specific capacitance, specific energy and specific power of the electrodes were determined for 1 M H2SO4, H3PO4 and KOH electrolytes using 3-electrode electrochemical cells. All-solid-state symmetric electrochemical capacitors were constructed by using three different gel-electrolytes: PVA-H2SO4, PVA-H3PO4 and PVA-KOH. The areal capacitance values obtained for all-solid-state symmetric electrochemical capacitors with PVA-H2SO4, PVA-H3PO4 and PVA-KOH gel-electrolytes were 123.8, 94.8 and 74.7 mF cm−2 respectively. In presence of acidic electrolyte, there is significant pseudocapacitance contribution from the electrode due to presence of binder. Thus, the value of areal capacitance and hence the energy density of electrochemical capacitor with PVA-H2SO4 is highest followed by PVA-H3PO4 and lowest with PVA-KOH gel-electrolyte. It is interesting to note that in acidic electrolyte, although there is enhancement of areal capacitance, it is associated with significant reduction of cyclic stability due to the structural change of the binder. Thus, electrochemical capacitor with PVA-KOH gel-electrolyte has shown highest cyclic stability.