In-situ electrochemical polymerization of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite films for electrochemical supercapacitors

• Published in: Synthetic metals 2009-02, Vol.159 (3), p.260-266
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jing, Kong, Ling-Bin, Wang, Bin, Luo, Yong-Chun, Kang, Long
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Capacitors. Resistors. Filters; Composites; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical polymerization; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Polyaniline; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Specific capacitance; Supercapacitors; Technology of polymers; Various equipment and components
• ISSN: 0379-6779; 1879-3290
• DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2008.09.018

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyaniline (PANI) composite films were prepared by in-situ electrochemical polymerization of an aniline solution containing different MWCNT contents. The supercapacitive behaviors of these films were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge–discharge tests, and ac impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the MWCNT/PANI films show much higher specific capacitance (SC), better power characteristic, better cyclic stability, and more promising for applications in supercapacitors than a pure PANI film electrode. The highest specific capacitance value of 500 F g −1 was obtained for the MWCNT/PANI composite film containing MWCNT of 0.8 wt.%. The improvement mechanisms of the capacitance of the composites are also discussed in detail.