Fabrication, characterization, and application of polyaniline/Ni(II) metal-organic frameworks nanocomposite as a supercapacitor electrode material

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), owing to their tunable porosity, high surface area, and diversity were investigated as potential supercapacitor materials. PANI/Ni-MOF, a nanocomposite of Ni-MOF and polyaniline (PANI), was fabricated by in situ solvothermal synthesis of Ni-MOF in the presence of the as-obtained PANI. The prepared products were studied using FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, and EDS-mapping techniques. EDS-mapping results exhibited the uniform dispersion of Ni-MOF into the polymeric matrix. Electrochemical properties of the pure Ni-MOF and PANI/Ni-MOF were investigated through CV (cyclic voltammetry), GCD (galvanostatic charge/discharge), and EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) methods in a three-electrode system. The as-fabricated PANI/Ni-MOF nanocomposite exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance owing to the synergistic effects of PANI with proper conductivity and the Ni-MOF’s porous structure, obtaining an excellent specific capacitance of 601 F g− 1 at 1 A g− 1. Additionally, this supercapacitor material showed a remarkable cycle life after 5000 charge/discharge test, 99.5 % retention of its specific capacitance. These excellent properties would make PANI/Ni-MOF nanocomposite as a proper candidate for supercapacitor electrode material. .