Electrochemical evaluation and structural characterization of polythiophene surfaces modified with PbO/PbS for energy storage applications

Abstract

Polythiophene (PTh) was modified with nanoparticles of lead oxide (PbO) and lead sulfide (PbS) to enhance its electrochemical performance. The surface characteristics, crystalline structure, and electrochemical behavior of the PTh/PbO/PbS material were analyzed and compared with pristine PTh. Surface modification was found to enhance the structural stability of PTh without compromising its specific capacitance. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized PTh/PbO/PbS electrode were assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC impedance techniques in a 3 M KOH electrolyte. Specific capacitances of 245, 620, 716, and 992 F/g were achieved for PTh, PTh/PbO, PTh/PbS, and PTh/PbO/PbS, respectively, at 5 A/g. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effect of Pb2+ ions in the PTh/PbO/PbS electrode material. The PTh/PbO/PbS electrode in KOH exhibited average specific energy and specific power densities of 972 Wh kg−1 and 6086 W/kg, respectively, with only a 4% decrease in capacitance after 10000 cycles. The resulting PTh/PbO/PbS nanocomposite displayed highly stable and porous layered structures. This study underscores the favorable structural stability and electrochemical performance of PTh/PbO/PbS nanomaterials, positioning them as promising materials for supercapacitor applications.