Synthesis and characterization of RuO2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composite nanotubes for supercapacitors

Abstract

We report the synthesis of composite RuO(2)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanotubes with high specific capacitance and fast charging/discharging capability as well as their potential application as electrode materials for a high-energy and high-power supercapacitor. RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotubes were synthesized in a porous alumina membrane by a step-wise electrochemical deposition method, and their structures were characterized using electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to qualitatively characterize the capacitive properties of the composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotubes. Their specific capacitance, energy density and power density were evaluated by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles at various current densities. The pseudocapacitance behavior of these composite nanotubes originates from ion diffusion during the simultaneous and parallel redox processes of RuO(2) and PEDOT. We show that the energy density (specific capacitance) of PEDOT nanotubes can be remarkably enhanced by electrodepositing RuO(2) into their porous walls and onto their rough internal surfaces. The flexible PEDOT prevents the RuO(2) from breaking and detaching from the current collector while the rigid RuO(2) keeps the PEDOT nanotubes from collapsing and aggregating. The composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotube can reach a high power density of 20 kW kg(-1) while maintaining 80% energy density (28 Wh kg(-1)) of its maximum value. This high power capability is attributed to the fast charge/discharge of nanotubular structures: hollow nanotubes allow counter-ions to readily penetrate into the composite material and access their internal surfaces, while a thin wall provides a short diffusion distance to facilitate ion transport. The high energy density originates from the RuO(2), which can store high electrical/electrochemical energy intrinsically. The high specific capacitance (1217 F g(-1)) which is contributed by the RuO(2) in the composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotube is realized because of the high specific surface area of the nanotubular structures. Such PEDOT/RuO(2) composite nanotube materials are an ideal candidate for the development of high-energy and high-power supercapacitors.

Growth of Vertically Aligned Tunable Polyaniline on Graphene/ZrO2 Nanocomposites for Supercapacitor Energy‐Storage Application

“…The complementary properties of both components generate a synergistic effect to enhance the electrochemical performance. [36][37][38] The electrode materials with occurring within the vertically align PANI and the redox active ZrO 2 accompanied with the electrical double layer capacitance at the electrode/electrolyte interface of the host GZ material. The better electrochemical stability of the double layer capacitor compared to pseudocapacitors and in contrary the better charge storage ability of the pseudocapacitors over the double layer capacitors are the main motivations to combine both type of materials in a single composite to obtain a hybrid material which can have both good specifi c capacitance and excellent electrochemical stability.…”

Advancing the Supercapacitor Materials and Technology Frontier for Improving Power Quality

“…30 In one such work, ruthenium dioxide was electrodeposited into poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and electrochemically cycled at 50 mV/s in 1M H 2 SO 4 over a 1 V window. 31 Energy densities of 28Wh/kg at power densities of 20 kW/kg have been reported. Manganese dioxide on the other hand is a cheap alternative to ruthenium oxide, but has much less (~110-260 F/g) capacitance and thus efforts are ongoing to improve its capacitance and rate capability.…”

A review of electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors

“….L i uet al 265 synthesized a RuO 2 /poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanotube composite that displayed a high specific capacitance and rapid charging/discharging capability. This RuO 2 -based composite reached a high specific capacitance of 1217 F g À1 , and when it was used as the electrode material in a supercapacitor, a high power density of 20 kW kg À1 was achieved, maintaining 80% of the maximum energy density (28 W h kg…”