Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) composite electrodes were prepared by depositing different amounts of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (a-SWCNTs) on porous reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) through the electrochemical deposition method. The SWCNT was functionalized by the reflux method in nitric acid and was proven by Raman and visible spectra. The optimum time for sonication to disperse the functionalized SWCNT (a-SWCNT) in dimethyl formamide (DMF) well was determined by UV spectra. The average pore size of RVC electrodes was calculated from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Moreover, the surface morphology of composite electrodes was also examined by SEM study. All 3D electrodes were evaluated for their electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry. The result showed that the value of specific capacitance of the electrode increases with the increase in the amount of a-SWCNT in geometric volume. However, the value of specific capacitance per gram decreases with the increase in scan rate as well as the amount of a-SWCNT. The stability of the electrodes was also tested. This revealed that all the electrodes were stable; however, lower a-SWCNT-loaded electrodes had excellent cyclic stability. These results suggest that the a-SWCNT-coated RVC electrodes have promise as an effective technology for desalination.
Highlights
The major requirements for the materials to be used as electrodes are good polarizability, low electrical resistance, high surface area and capacitance, no participation in faradaic reactions at the applied voltage, high porosity and conductivity [1]
The dominant second-order feature in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) Raman spectra is the G’ band, which is located at about 2600 cm−1, and this is sensitive to charge transfer effects due to structural modifications of the nanotube walls induced by the attachment of different chemical species
The analysis through Raman spectra reveals that acid-treated SWCNTs have low amorphous carbon content and defects compared to untreated ones
Summary
The major requirements for the materials to be used as electrodes are good polarizability, low electrical resistance, high surface area and capacitance, no participation in faradaic reactions at the applied voltage, high porosity and conductivity [1]. This means that the correct choice of material is the most important issue for making high performance electrodes [2]. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many impressive characteristics such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, optical transparency and thermal stability [10,11].
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