Abstract:
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely used as supercapacitor electrode
material. However, the specific capacitance of MWCNTs cannot achieve optimum value to
facilitate required demand. Conducting polymers have been introduced to achieve optimum
energy density and power density of supercapacitor electrode material. Conductive polymers are
promising pseudo capacitive materials as they feature both good conductivity and high
capacitance. Formation of composite using conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes is a
proven technique in enhancing the material electroactivity. However, the cycling life and rate
capability of PANI electrodes are unsatisfactory due to their large volume changes and slow
redox reactions during charge-discharge processes.
This work describes the effect of HQ adding on MWCNT/PANI composite prepared by insitu
polymerization technique in order to increase the cyclic stability of MWCNT/PANI.
PANI-HQ/MWCNT film offers intrinsic porous channels and promotes the transportation of
charges and ions. Consequently, the PANI-HQ/MWCNT film electrode exhibits specific
capacitance of 120 Fg-1
at a current density of 0.5A/g whereas PANI/MWCNT film exhibits 130
F/g. Although PANI-HQ/MWCNT film electrode exhibits less specific capacity than
PANI/MWCNT they presents a good cycling stability with 94% of capacitance retention after
1000 cycles, much higher than that of PANI/MWCNT film (74%) electrodes.
The excellent rate performance and cycling stability make it one of promising candidates for
electrochemical energy storage
