Electrophoretic Deposition of Binder-Free MOF-Derived Carbon Films for High-Performance Microsupercapacitors

Abstract

Recently, miniaturized power supplies have become essential components of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and portable microdevices due to their high-power density, moderate specific energy, and superior long-term cyclability. In this study, microsupercapacitors with ZIF-8-derived carbons as active materials were successfully fabricate by electrophoretic deposition method. The carbon materials on microsupercapacitors, which are directly deposited or obtained by pyrolyzing predeposited ZIF-8 particles, play a crucial role in achieving outstanding electrochemical performances. The microsupercapacitor of 16 interdigital finger electrodes, prepared by electrophoretic deposition of ZIF-8 particles and subsequent pyrolysis, shows maximum specific power 687.6 mW cm−3, specific energy 2.87 mWh cm−3, and 97.8 % capacitance retention rate after 10 000 cycles. The simple and facile process of electrophoretic deposition and subsequent pyrolysis of ZIF-8 particles generates a film of densely populated microporous carbon particles on microsupercapacitor, leading to superior capacitive performances.