Graphene-conducting polymer nanocomposite as novel electrode for supercapacitors

A novel graphene–polyaniline nanocomposite material synthesized using chemical precipitation technique is reported as an electrode for supercapacitors. The graphene (G)–polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite film was dissolved in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and characterized using Raman, FTIR, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The interesting composite structure could be observed using different ratios of graphene and aniline monomer. The supercapacitor is fabricated using G–PANI in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and G–PANI-Nafion films on graphite electrodes. A specific capacitance of 300–500 F g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 is observed over graphene–PANI nanocomposite materials. The aim of this study is to tailor the properties of the capacitors through the optimization of their components, and packaging towards a qualification for portable systems applications. Based on experimental data shown in this work, conducting polymer nanocomposite capacitor technology could be viable, and could also surpass existing technologies when such a novel approach is used.

Research highlights▶ The novel graphene (G)–polyaniline (PANI) composite material have been synthesized using oxidative polymerization technique and a specific capacitance of 300–500 F g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 was observed. ▶ G–PANI nanocomposite material displays an interesting structure where graphene flakes could be seen embedded in the polyaniline suggesting a graphene interconnection with the polymer network. ▶ The cyclic voltammetry (CV) behavior of G–PANI film obtained on graphite substrate at different binders (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and nafion) differ in 2 M H2SO4 and 2 M HCl electrolytic systems. It is also remarkable to note that the G–PANI composite retains the characteristic features of CV for around 100 cycles.