Enhanced electrocapacitive performance and high power density of polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanocomposites prepared at reduced temperature

Abstract

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of the preparation temperature on the electrocapacitive performance of polypyrrole (PPY)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites (PNCs). For this purpose, a series of PNCs were prepared at various temperatures by the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-assisted dilute-solution polymerization of pyrrole in presence of GO (wt%) ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 with ferric chloride as an oxidant. The formation of the PNCs was ascertained through Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction spectra, scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry. The electrocapacitive performance of the electrodes derived from sulphonated polysulphone-bound PNCs was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry with reference to Ag/ AgCl at a scan rate (V/s) ranging from 0.2 and 0.001 in potassium hydroxide (1.0 M). The incorporation of GO into the PPY matrix at a reduced temperature has a pronounced effect on the electrocapacitive performance of PNCs. Under identical scan rates (0.001 V/s), PNCs prepared at 10 ± 1°C render improved specific conductivity (526.33 F/g) and power density (731.19 W/Kg) values compared to those prepared at 30 ± 1°C (217.69 F/g, 279.43 W/Kg). PNCs prepared at 10 ± 1°C rendered a capacitive retention rate of ~96% during the first 500 cycles. This indicates the excellent cyclic stability of the PNCs prepared at reduced temperatures for supercapacitor applications.

Electrochemical Characterization and HOMO-LUMO Studies on Fabricated PVB/Graphite and PVB/GO Nanocomposites

“…It was observed, in graphite and GO cases, that, with an increase in the individual filler ratio, in both matrices, the thermal stability was enhanced, which was more pronounced in the graphite case, as compared to GO. This attests for the graphite capability to endure a wider temperature range, as compared to GO, which indicates a low thermal stability with the continuous supply of decomposed oxidized products (CO2, CO), in a given temperature range [36][37].…”

Insights into properties, synthesis and emerging applications of polypyrrole-based composites, and future prospective: A review

“…Mudila et al studied electrocapacitive performance and high density of PPy/GO nanocomposites prepared at reduced temperature for supercapacitor applications to render improved specific conductivity (526.33 F/g) and power density (731.19 W/kg), indicating excellent cyclic stability [ 235 ]. Table 6 represents the electrochemical performance of previously reported composites of PPy.…”

Unusual Cu–Co/GO Composite with Special High Organic Content Synthesized by an in Situ Self-Assembly Approach: Pyrolysis and Catalytic Decomposition on Energetic Materials

“…Binary transition metal oxides such as Fe–Mg, Cu–Co, Ni–Co, Fe–Cu, and Fe–Zn, in contrast to single metal and metal oxides, are considered as the potential candidates of catalysts. − Among them, Cu–Co composites with abundant resources, low cost, and nontoxicity have been widely studied and practically applied in catalyst, luminescence, and electrode materials. − However, owing to the smaller particle size and higher surface energy, nanometal composite oxides inevitably suffer from aggregation which thus reduces their catalytic performance. Therefore, many strategies have been proposed to inhibit the agglomeration and increase the specific surface area of the nanoparticles. − Graphene oxide (GO), as a newly emerging functional carbon material, has a large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface and excellent properties such as an ultrathin two-dimensional atomic layer structure, large specific surface area, high electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as good mechanical properties. − Thus, GO can serve as an excellent carrier for nanocomposites and obviously weaken the agglomeration and enhance the catalytic activity.…”