Carbon nanotube sponges as conductive networks for supercapacitor devices

Scanning electron microscopy images of uncoated (left) and polyaniline coated carbon nanotube sponges (right). The high porosity of the nanotube sponge enables the uniform deposition of polyaniline even in a ∼1 mm thick electrode. The three-dimensional, porous, self-supported and flexible carbon nanotube sponge acts as a conductive network for the polyaniline pseudo-capacitor device eliminating the need for any conductive additives or mechanical binders. The resulting pseudo-capacitor offers an excellent areal capacitance coupled with high rate capability and cycle stability.