Synthesis of carbon nanotube/ polyaniline nano composite electrode by insitu electrochemical polymerization

Abstract

The synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) containing different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by in situ electrochemical polymerization is reported in this study. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet– visible spectroscopy were used to determine the change in structure of the polymer/CNT composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the composites had better thermal stability than the pure PANI. In addition, the electrochemical measurements such as cyclic voltametric (CV) curves showed that the conductivity of the obtained nanocomposite increased. The results of measuring cyclic voltammetry also showed that the specific capacitance of nanocomposite was much higher than the pure PANI and CNTs. This is due to the fact that the composites consisting of electroactive species and carbon materials with highly specific surface areas are significantly promote the energy density of supercapacitors. Such supercapacitors exhibit simultaneously both double layer capacitance and Faradic pseducapacitance in energy storage.