Photopolymerized PEDOT-coated polydopamine: A Green approach for supercapacitor electrode materials

Conjugated conductive polymers (CCPs) are promising electrode materials for next-generation supercapacitors (SCs), yet their scalable and eco-friendly synthesis remains a challenge. Here, we report a light-driven, in-situ polymerization of EDOT onto polydopamine (PDA@PEDOT), offering a sustainable, photoinitiated route for high-performance SC electrodes. Using an organic, environmentally safe photoinitiator and ethanol as a green solvent, this method achieves uniform PEDOT deposition on PDA with minimal energy input. Using a three-electrode method, the resulting PDA@PEDOT electrode exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, including a high specific capacitance of 275 F g⁻¹ at 1.0 A g⁻¹, an energy density of 34.04 W h kg⁻¹, and excellent adhesion properties. The synergistic non-covalent interactions between PDA's amine, catechol, quinone functionalities and PEDOT are credited to enhance ion transport through the electrode, improving SC efficiency. These exceptional properties, alongside strong adhesion and uniform deposition of PEDOT on PDA, demonstrate the novelty of the advanced photopolymerization approach. Our eco-friendly photopolymerization method paves the way for sustainable, high-performance SC electrode fabrication, bridging the gap between sustainable chemistry and next-generation energy storage.