An electrochemical study of the synthesis and properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly ortho aminophenol composites

Composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) with good uniformity for use as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors were prepared by electropolymerization by using the ionic surfactant as electrolyte, for dispersing CNTs within conducting polymer/carbon nanotube composite films. The capacitance properties were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV), discharge tests and ac impedance spectroscopy. The composite electrode shows much higher specific capacitance, better power characteristics and is more promising for application in the capacitor than a pure POAP electrode. The effect and role of MWCNT in the composite electrode are discussed in detail. In comparison with a Ni–POAP/glassy carbon (GC), a Ni–MWCNT–POAP/GC electrode shows a better catalytic performance for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol.

• Composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) electrodes are prepared by the in situ electropolymerization.
• Surfactant has played a key role for dispersing CNTs within conducting polymer films.
• Supercapacitor device made by nanotube composite films exhibited very high specific capacitance.