A novel multi-dimension inorganic–organic hybrid aerogel and its electrochemical behavior

Abstract

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were widely concerned in the research of electrode materials for supercapacitors because it had many advantages, such as abundant natural reserves, non-toxic, large specific surface area, and so on. The zero-dimensional Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded onto the surface of one-dimensional HNTs (HNTs-O) could give HNT’s excellent electrical properties and improve the specific capacitance. In our previous study, the HNTs were connected into three-dimensional interconnected nano-network (HCAs) by electrostatic interaction. It was found interesting phenomena in load transfer ability and increasing the specific surface area. Based on our previous studies, in this study, HNTs-O was compounded with the three-dimensional HCAs to prepare the composite aerogel (CA-O). The organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels (CA-OP) were prepared by loading conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) onto the composite aerogel surface to form a two-dimensional PANI. The synergistic effect of inorganic HNTs-O and organic PANI had improved the conductivity and electrical properties of CA-OP. The results of the scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, N2 adsorption–desorption, stress–strain tests, and so on showed that the composite was successfully prepared and had the acceptable performance in specific surface area and mechanical properties. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and other electrochemical tests suggested that the organic–inorganic hybrid aerogel had large capacitance and exciting cycle performance.