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In this study, an electrospinning method was used to produce highly conductive freestanding carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The freestanding CNFs are compatible with hierarchical growth techniques, such as hydrothermal processes, for the nanostructure engineering of supercapacitor electrodes with enhanced electrochemically active sites. Therefore, the flower-like FeMoO 4 @CNF nanosheets were investigated to improve the electrochemical performance using aqueous and neutral electrolytes (Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4). The optimized FeMoO 4 @CNF electrode exhibits areal capacitances of 252 and 220 mF·cm−2 at a high current density of 2.5 mA·cm−2 with Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 electrolytes, respectively. The wide potential window (1.6 V) of the symmetric supercapacitor delivered maximum energy densities of 22.4 and 19.6 μWh·cm−2 at a power density of 2 mW·cm−2 for Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 electrolytes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Flexible, lightweight, and freestanding zinc‐manganese oxide carbon nanofibers are promising materials for the fabrication of portable electronic devices. Composite nanofibers were synthesized using terephthalic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Terephthalic acid improves the flexibility of the composite fibers and facilitates the diffusion of electrolytic ions. Meanwhile, sodium dodecyl sulfate aids to elevate the metal (zinc) oxide particles to the surface of the nanofibers during annealing. The texturing of the carbon nanofiber surface with ZnO enhances the electrochemical activity of the composite fibers. Parametric studies were conducted by varying the weight ratio of zinc and manganese acetates from zero to unity. The optimal case with a ratio of 0.75 produces specific capacitances of 1080 and 817 F·g−1 at current densities of 1 and 10 A·g−1, respectively, with a wide potential window of 1.6 V, indicating outstanding energy storage capabilities. The capacitance retention was 92% after 10 000 galvanostatic charge‐discharge cycles. The bending angle test confirmed the mechanical durability of the freestanding carbon nanofiber electrodes, and the corresponding change in the cyclic voltammetry curve was negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, freestanding carbon nanofibers embedded with bimetallic manganese-iron oxide are fabricated for flexible supercapacitor applications via electrospinning. A polyacrylonitrile solution is used as the carbon source, and poly(methyl methacrylate) functions as a sacrificial template to produce microporous carbon nanofibers. The concentrations of manganese acetate and iron acetylacetonate are varied to determine the fabrication conditions for maximal electrochemical performance. The optimized supercapacitor cell exhibits a capacitance of 467 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and a capacitance retention of 94% at the end of N = 10,000 cycles. The higher mechanical durability of the electrode is confirmed by the absence of electrochemical deterioration at the end of performing 500 bending cycles. Overall, the sample comprising carbon nanofibers, in which the optimal amount of manganese-iron oxide is embedded, has the required pseudocapacitive characteristics and is an interesting choice for high-energy-storage supercapacitor electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fabricating transparent flexible metallic fibers (TMFs) is discussed. • The importance of lightweight, flexible, and scalable TMFs for soft electronics has been stressed. • Challenges associated with the fabrication and integration of TMFs in practical applications are addressed. The use of transparent metallic fibers (TMFs) in various applications, including touchscreens, solar cells, and transparent heaters, is gradually increasing, thereby emerging as a state-of-the-art technology in advanced portable and self-powered wearable electronics. This review discusses several novel approaches for fabricating TMFs that exhibit excellent transparency, flexibility, and low sheet resistance. TMFs are aim to meet the increasing demand for soft and wearable electronic and optoelectronic devices. Lightweight and flexible TMFs are alternatives to indium tin oxide, which is expensive, brittle, and possesses low optical transmittance in near-infrared spectra. Moreover, TMF fabrication is scalable. This review focuses on crucial techniques employed in the fabrication of metallic fibers and presents key parameters in a tabular format. In addition, the insights of developing high-performance TMFs for various applications are provided. Finally, challenges associated with the fabrication and integration of TMFs in practical applications are discussed and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrospun nanofiber mats are surface-decorated with Mn-doped ZIF-8 nanoparticles. • Freestanding flexible Mn@ZnO/CNF is demonstrated as a promising supercapacitor electrode. • Enhanced capacitance of 501 F·g−1 and 92% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles are obtained. We demonstrate freestanding, flexible, and cost-effective supercapacitor electrodes comprising carbon nanofibers (CNFs) decorated with metal oxide framework (MOF)-derived manganese-doped zinc oxide (Mn@ZnO). Nanoparticles of manganese-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) were grown directly on electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers by a simple solution-phase synthesis. Carbonization of these composite fibers produced high surface area dodecahedral Mn@ZnO on core CNFs that provide fast electron-transfer pathways. The synergy between Mn@ZnO (active sites for Faradaic reactions) and the highly electrically conductive carbon nanofiber improves the performance of the supercapacitor electrode. The Mn@ZnO/CNF electrodes exhibit a high specific capacitance of 501 F·g−1 and retain >92% of their initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The optimized Mn@ZnO/CNF electrodes deliver impressive energy densities of 72.1 W·h·kg−1 and 33.3 W·h·kg−1 at power densities of 500 W·kg−1 and 5000 W·kg−1, respectively. This electrochemical performance demonstrates that the Mn@ZnO/CNF nanostructured composite is a robust electrode material for long-lifetime high-rate energy storage/delivery devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly flexible freestanding carbon nanofibers were electroplated with silver for use in supercapacitor applications. The brittle carbon nanofibers were encased within bendable silver shells to provide superior flexibility and resilience of the supercapacitors. The enhanced electrical conductivity derived from the silver shell structure dramatically increased the capacitance of the supercapacitor. The silver shell also conferred structural stability to the carbon core, thus furnishing stable, long-term electrode performance. Nearly 100% of the specific capacitance was retained after N  = 10,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. The mechanical endurance or stability of the fabricated electrode was evaluated using 1,000 bending cycles, demonstrating that the electrode performance remained unchanged. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge curves were measured at various scan rates and current densities. The fabricated electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, which clearly illustrated the carbon-core and silver-shell structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the synthesis of a highly stable, freestanding and flexible anode material for lithium-ion batteries created by depositing a conformal coating of TiO 2 on a SnZnO/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite using atomic layer deposition. The term SnZnO is used here because metallic Sn is observed in the SnZnO/CNF composites after annealing under argon gas. The elemental composition of the material was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while the oxidation states of the elements were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy showed that the core regions of the composite nanofibers were almost uniformly covered by a TiO 2 shell. The specific capacities of the TiO 2 -coated and uncoated samples at a high current density (5C) were 413 and 159 mAh·g −1 , respectively. An analysis of the surface morphology after cycling indicated that the stability of the solid electrolyte interface layer increased after the formation of the protective conformal TiO 2 layer. As a result, no signs of anode degradation were observed even after 700 cycles at a current density of 5C. We attribute this exceptional stability to the buffering of the anode material by the protective coating during volumetric expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of core-shell SnO x /carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite mats via single-nozzle one-step electrospinning for use as flexible freestanding electrodes in supercapacitors. The freestanding and flexible nature of the composites is essential for their use in lightweight, portable, and foldable electronic devices and eliminates the need for a separate current collector. We fully characterized the structural and morphological properties of the SnO x /CNF mats and optimized the SnO x to CNF precursor ratio. The optimized SnO x /CNF-based symmetric supercapacitor exhibited a capacitance of 289 F·g −1 at a scan rate of 10 mV·s −1 . Moreover, it retained more than 88% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles, highlighting the long-term stability of supercapacitors based on these SnO x /CNF mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of a MnO x /carbamide carbon nanofiber (CCNF) composite consisting of MnO particles embedded in CCNFs as a highly flexible and freestanding electrode material for supercapacitors. A sacrificial polymer component, polymethylmethacrylate, included in the precursor solution, pyrolyzes during heating, resulting in pores in the fibers, some of which are filled by the MnO nanocrystals. Carbamide is added to control the size of the MnO x particles as well as to increase the carbon content of the composite and hence its conductivity. The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra of the composite show that the MnO particles formed have low crystallinity. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that the MnO particles are distributed very uniformly over the CCNFs. Symmetric supercapacitors constructed using electrodes of this composite exhibit specific capacitances of 498 F∙g −1 at a scan rate of 10 mV∙s −1 and 271 F∙g −1 at a current density of 1 A∙g −1 . They also exhibit excellent long-term cycling performance, retaining 93% of their initial capacity after 5000 cycles of galvanostatic charging/discharging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have produced flexible, freestanding, and light weight mats of FeO x -decorated carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and demonstrated their use in supercapacitors with high energy and power density and excellent long term capacitance retention. Highly flexible carbon-iron oxide nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning a solution of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and iron acetylacetonate (FeAcAc), followed by annealing to carbonize the PAN, pyrolyze the PMMA to produce pores, and convert FeAcAc to FeO nanoparticles. The morphology of the FeO x /CNF composite was determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, which showed that the embedded FeO x nanoparticles were well distributed in the CNF electrode. We employed cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to evaluate the electrochemical performance of symmetric supercapacitors prepared from the FeO x /CNF composite. The supercapacitors exhibited high specific capacitance (427 F·g −1 at 10 mV·s −1 and 436 F·g −1 at 1 A·g −1 in the optimal case) and good stability, retaining 89% of their initial capacitance after 5000 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g −1 . The optimal device achieved an energy density of 167 Wh·kg −1 at a power density of 0.75 kW·kg −1 , and an energy density of 66 Wh·kg −1 at a power density of 7.5 kW·kg −1 . These combinations of energy and power densities can meet the needs of many emerging supercapacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of flexible electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) containing uniformly distributed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and iron oxide (FeO x ) nanoparticles (NPs) as a composite material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. The uniform incorporation of CNTs and FeO x NPs within the CNFs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Embedding even a small amount of CNTs (0.1 wt%) in the CNFs increased the LIB performance by a factor of two compared with pure CNFs. The specific capacity was also increased, by 25%, when an iron source (iron (III) acetylacetonate) was added at a concentration of 2 wt%. The FeO x -CNT/CNF electrode maintained a capacity of 1008 mAh∙g −1 at a current density of 100 mA∙g −1 after 100 cycles. Further, the high-performance anode material was freestanding, flexible, and lightweight. This makes it suitable for next-generation LIBs, which must deliver high power over long periods while also being light and flexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The review focuses on potential of flexible, freestanding binder-free nanofiber electrodes for real time applications. • The advancement of the hollow/porous composite nanofibers, and process parameters are presented. • Morphology engineering over composite nanofibers for enhancing electrochemical performance is reviewed. • Current challenges and future prospect of binder free composite nanofibers for flexible SCs are suggested. The versatile electrospinning technique is scalable and suitable to fabricate highly conducting freestanding carbon nanofiber composite electrodes for energy storage devices. Freestanding/flexible electrodes hold enormous potential for use in wearable electronic devices. Carbon-yielding polymers and the optimal use of sacrificial polymers, metal oxides, and sulfides retain the flexibility and enhance the surface area and pseudocapacitance of electrodes. Both as-prepared electrospun fibers and carbonized nanofibers are compatible with surface decoration via various chemical and electrochemical routes. Metal oxides/sulfides with various morphologies, such as nanocones and nanosheets, can be grown on the carbon nanofibers or on the as-prepared electrospun fibers using chemical synthesis methods such as electrodeposition, hydrothermal processes, and chemical impregnation to enhance the pseudocapacitance of the electrodes. Similarly, the deposition of metal organic frameworks on as-prepared electrospun fibers embellishes these fibers with nanostructures of specific morphologies such as dodecahedral and spindle-shaped structures. Under optimal conditions, these morphologies do not hamper the flexibility of the fibers, and binders are not required to retain them or maintain the electrode integrity. The engineering of electrodes with various morphologies and process parameters is presented systematically. Electrospinning-derived electrodes that have demonstrated significant electrochemical performance are highlighted and critically analyzed, and the energy storage mechanisms of these supercapacitors are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flexible, freestanding, binder-free nanofiber electrodes for lithium-ion batteries are introduced. • Significance and limitations of electrospinning for fabrication of freestanding electrodes are discussed. • Parameters and polymers for the design of porous and core–shell nanofibers are analyzed. • Feasibility of decorating fibers with nanosheets, nanocones, and polyhedra of active materials is discussed. Carbon nanofibers derived from electrospun precursors show great promise for electronic applications owing to their flexibility, conductivity, high surface area, and open structure. The integration of metal oxides and sulfides in carbon nanofibers, rather than using them with other binders, eliminates many problems caused by poor adhesion, nanomaterial agglomeration, excess mass contributed by inactive binders, and low conductivity of embedded active materials. The engineering of electrospun fibers with novel morphologies, such as core–shell, hollow, or porous structures, and the use of decorated carbon nanofibers (e.g. , by electrodeposition or co-precipitation) are discussed in this review. Representative schematic illustrations of the lithium-storage mechanism for these binder-free electrodes are presented. We describe how the electrospinning technique can offer a cost-effective strategy for fabrication of lightweight lithium-ion batteries with high capacity and excellent bendability. This review presents the fascinating morphologies of these specially designed carbon nanofiber electrodes, which enhance the electrochemical performance of metal oxides and sulfides, illustrating their enormous potential for use in wearable electronic devices and hybrid electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flexible supercapacitors were fabricated using Ni-electroplated carbon nanofibers with NiGa 2 S 4 nanosheets. • The impact of the Ni/Ga ratio on the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor was studied. • The NiGa 2 S 4 nanosheets promoted electrolyte diffusion and intensified the charge transport rate. • The specific capacitance was the highest at 488F·g−1 at a current rate of 0.5 A·g−1. Herein, high-power flexible supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated by decorating Ni-electroplated carbon nanofibers (Ni@CNF) with two-dimensional NiGa 2 S 4 nanosheets. The electrical conductivity of carbon nanofibers was enhanced by the addition of nickel, and the energy storage capability was enhanced by decoration with NiGa 2 S 4. The impact of metal (Ni/Ga) ratio on the overall electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor was studied by varying the Ga concentration. The NiGa 2 S 4 nanosheets promoted diffusion of the electrolyte into the electrode, thereby improving the electrochemical activity. The nanosheets also intensified the charge transfer rate within the composite electrode, which contributed to the overall improvement in the electrochemical performance. The optimal Ga concentration was the concentration at which the specific capacitance was the highest at 488 F·g−1 with a potential window of 1.1 V and current rate of 0.5 A·g−1. The long-term stability test revealed that the capacitance retention of the electrode with this optimal Ni/Ga ratio was 109% after 20,000 cycles. This flexible supercapacitor electrode was subjected to 2000 bending cycles, and the corresponding cyclic voltammetry performance was assessed. In combination, the outstanding electrochemical performance and durable mechanical properties render the NiGa 2 S 4 /Ni@CNF electrode highly suitable for flexible energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PVP/ZIF-7/PAN nanofibers carbonized at 900 °C yielded flexible ZnO P /C. • A capacitance of 382.5 mF cm−2 was obtained at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. • ZnO P /C demonstrated a capacitance retention of ∼ 101 % over 10,000 cycles. • ZnO P /C delivered an energy density of 49 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 2 mW cm−2. This study investigates the carbonization of electrospun fibers derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-7/polyacrylonitrile solutions containing urea or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The carbonization yields highly flexible composites comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers and ZnO. Notably, using PVP as a nitrogen source generates a composite exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. Specifically, it delivers a high capacitance of 382.5 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, this composite demonstrates capacitance retentions of approximately 101 % and 80 % after 10,000 cycles and a 90° bending test, respectively. The charge-storage capability of the PVP-based ZnO P /C composite surpasses that obtained without PVP by 1.4 times. Additionally, a composite fiber mat of ZnO P /C obtained via one-step electrospinning exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity and an energy density of 49 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 2 mW cm−2. These findings highlight the potential of this material as an electrode for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) are a class of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with diverse energy-related applications. High-surface area materials derived from ZIFs can serve as electrodes with good long-term capacity retention. Herein, we demonstrate an electrospun ZIF7/carbon nanofiber (CNF) derived nanocomposite as a freestanding electrode for supercapacitors with excellent capacitance retention. The optimal ZIF7 composite nanofiber carbonized at 950 °C exhibited a specific capacitance of 202 F·g −1 at a current density of 1 A·g −1 and ~98% specific capacitance retention after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. N-doped nanoporous C and the Zn framework of ZIF7 composite fibers delivered an energy density of 42 W·h·kg −1 at a power density of 0.6 kW·kg −1 . These scalable ZIF7/CNF composite textiles (30 × 10 cm 2 ) can be used as freestanding supercapacitor electrodes without a separate substrate or current collector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate electrospun ternary Fe 2 O 3 -SnO x -carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites as high-performance, flexible, and freestanding anodes for Li ion batteries (LIBs). In the ternary composites, the CNF matrix accommodates volume changes of Fe and Sn during lithiation and delithiation, while also providing short Li ion diffusion pathways, which ultimately enhances the capacity of the LIB. The concentrations of Fe and Sn were varied to find the optimal composition. Higher Sn content increased capacity at slow discharge rates, but decreased capacity at higher discharge rates. Increasing Fe to Sn ratio improved performance at high discharge rates. The Fe 2 O 3 -SnO x -CNF composite fabricated at a Fe:Sn weight ratio of 3:1 exhibited a reversible capacity value of 756 mAh·g −1 after 55 cycles. The materials and methods demonstrated here are unique in producing a flexible, free-standing mat with high gravimetric capacity using a simple and scalable production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]