Chemically copolymerized poly(2-chloroaniline-co-2-ethylaniline) as an anodic material in Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Poly(2-chloroaniline-co-2-ethylaniline)(poly(OCA-co-OEA)) was synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative method using ammonium per sulfate as an initiator and HCl as dopant. The copolymer was characterized by FTIR, UV-Visible, NMR spectroscopic techniques and XRD. FESEM and EDAX were taken to study the surface morphology and elemental composition. Thermal stability of the copolymer was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The conduction was examined in terms of the dielectric constant and the electrical conductivity of 8.083 × 10–6 S cm−1 measured shows semi conducting nature of the emeraldine salt form of the copolymer. FESEM images show spongy and porous surface. The oxidation/reduction potentials and electrochemical reaction of Li/copolymer cells were tested by cyclic voltammetric technique. The discharge capacity of 63.4 mAh/g and charge capacity 62.8 mAh/g at 7–8 cycles show good reversibility. The practical specific charge capacity was 58.2% of the theoretical specific charge capacity which is 107.76 mAh/g. Hence it can efficiently be used as an anodic electrode material in lithium ion secondary batteries.