Improved EDLC Characteristics of the CNTs Grown on the Nanoporous Alumina Templates

Abstract

AbstractThe specific capacitance of the carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode can be increased by using nanoporous alumina templates with the high pore density and the small and uniform pore diameter. The surface area of the CNTs was controlled and increased by preparing them with uniform diameters. The well-ordered nanoporous alumina templates were fabricated by a two-step anodization method. The cylindrical pore diameter, length, and density of the template utilized for the CNT growth was 53 ± 1 nm, 2 μm, and 3.1×1010 cm−2, respectively. The CNTs with uniform diameter of 44 ± 2 nm were grown on the porous alumina template as electrode materials for the electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC). The EDLC characteristic of the CNT electrodes was examined by measuring the capacitances from the cyclic voltammograms. The specific capacitance of the CNT electrodes can be increased to the value of 121 ± 5 F/g.