Flexible Cobalt-Doped Biopolymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Supercapacitors: Boosting Capacitance, Energy Density, and Long-Term Stability

This study presents the development of a flexible cobalt-doped biopolymer electrolyte for high-performance supercapacitors. By integrating carboxymethyl cellulose, alginic acid, and glycerol, the electrolyte achieves enhanced ion transport, improved charge storage, and long-term stability. The optimized formulation exhibits a high specific capacitance of 208 F g⁻¹, an energy density of 41.67 Wh kg⁻¹, and stable cycling performance over 15,000 charge–discharge cycles. The incorporation of cobalt ions (Co²⁺) enhances electrochemical properties by facilitating redox activity and improving ion conductivity, resulting in superior charge storage capabilities. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the biopolymer matrix and cobalt doping improves dielectric properties, thermal stability, and mechanical flexibility. These advancements position our system as a promising candidate for next-generation flexible and sustainable energy storage applications.