PPy@MWCNT Nanocomposite for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a potential electrode material for supercapacitors due to its properties suchas high conductivity and chemical stability. However, additional additives can be used to further improvethe capacity values and energy storage performance of PPy. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) arenanomaterials with properties such as high surface area, excellent conductivity and mechanical strength,and can improve supercapacitor performance when integrated into the PPy matrix. In this study, synthesis,characterization and performance analysis were performed to evaluate the potential of PPy and MWCNTdoped PPy in supercapacitor applications. PPy and MWCNT doped PPy were characterized using analyticaltechniques such as XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) imaging.XRD analysis was used to determine the crystal structures and crystal sizes of the material and showed thatthe crystal structures of PPy and MWCNT doped PPy were preserved. SEM imaging was used to examinethe surface morphology of the material and it was observed that it has a homogeneous surface structure.Supercapacitor performance was evaluated using electrochemical characterization methods. PPy andMWCNT doped PPy samples exhibited high capacitance values and fast charge-discharge properties. Theintegration of the MWCNT additive into the PPy matrix allowed the electrode to maintain its chemicalstability while increasing the surface area. These results show that PPy and MWCNT doped PPy have thepotential to provide more efficient energy storage in supercapacitors.