The effect of electro-degradation processing on microstructure of polyaniline/single-wall carbon nanotube composite films

Mesostructured polyaniline/single-wall carbon nanotube (PAni/SWCNT) composite film has been prepared through electrochemical polymerization/degradation processing. The microstructures of the films are observed before and after electro-degradation. Initial twisty SWCNT bundles are broken down and linked by the polymerization of PAni. Both crystalline and disordered PAni regions coexist in the PAni/SWCNT composite nanowires. The disordered regions are gradually dissolved while the crystalline regions are basically preserved after electro-degradation. The formation mechanism of the composite with special construction has been proposed. In addition, cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrate that the electroactive performance of PAni/SWCNT composite is enhanced after electro-degradation. It is found that the specific capacitance of electro-degraded composite reaches up to 848.7 F/g, more than twice over the untreated film, which is ascribed to its profitable charge accessible interface and increased available crystalline PAni regions.