Preparation and electrochemical capacitance performances of super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline

Super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline was prepared by surface modification of polyaniline using tetraethyl orthosilicate in water/ethanol solution, whereas its conductivity was 4.16 S cm−1 at 25 °C. And its electrochemical capacitance performances as an electrode material were evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge test in 0.1 M H2SO4 aqueous solution. Its initial specific capacitance was 500 F g−1 at a constant current density of 1.5 A g−1, and the capacitance still reached about 400 F g−1 after 5000 consecutive cycles. Moreover, its capacitance retention ratio was circa 70% with the growth of current densities from 1.5 to 20 A g−1, indicating excellent rate capability. It would be a promising electrode material for aqueous redox supercapacitors.