Preparation and electrochemical properties of RuO2/polyaniline electrodes for supercapacitors

RuO2 embedded polyaniline electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition. PANI electrode was electrochemically deposited on tantalum sheet. Then RuO2 particles were embedded on film layer of polyaniline. RuO2/polyaniline electrode was annealed at 80 °C for 12 h. Microstructure and morphology of RuO2/polyaniline were characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. Structure of the composite with amorphous phase was verified by X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that counter ion had been incorporated into PPy matrix. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed that during grain growth of RuO2/PANI, due to its porous morphology, PANI provides a large surface to the growing RuO2. The electrochemical performances of RuO2/polyaniline electrode are calculated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technology. RuO2/polyaniline electrode reveals high specific capacitance (474 F g−1), ideal cyclical stability and smaller charge transfer resistance (2.24 Ω). The good property for RuO2/polyaniline electrode is due to fine RuO2 particles embedded in the PANI of big surface area.