Supercapacitive investigation of polyazomethine incorporating electron-withdrawing Nitro Group: Room temperature synthesis

Abstract

A polyazomethine, designated as NAZ, was synthesized effortlessly at room temperature via a highly efficient polycondensation route employing 5,5′-(4-nitro-1,2-phenylene)bis(furan-2-carbaldehyde) (III) as a monomer, along with a diverse array of diamines meticulously selected for engineering the NAZ polyazomethine. The resulting NAZ material underwent a comprehensive characterization employing cutting-edge techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), the random morphology of polyazomethine has revealed in FESEM and TEM images, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and a suite of advanced spectroscopic methods. In the realm of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the emergence of the distinctive –CHN– peak at 1608 cm−1 unequivocally validated the triumphant conversion of dicarbaldehyde (III) and diamines into the desired polyazomethine structure. XRD diffractograph unveiled the tantalizingly amorphous disposition of NAZ, while the FESEM images elegantly revealed its enigmatic and inherently random morphology. The EDAX analysis, meanwhile, provided an exquisite insight into the intricate chemical composition and elemental distribution meticulously orchestrated on the surface of NAZ. Delving into the electrochemical domain, the synthesized polyazomethine electrodes were subjected to a rigorous battery of tests including cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and the formidable electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The superlative supercapacitive prowess of the NAZ electrodes were fervently evaluated across a plethora of electrolytic environments encompassing NaOH, LiCl, NaNO2, and the venerable KOH, spanning an impressive range of concentrations. Noteworthy is the awe-inspiring performance of the NAZ electrode in the hallowed 1 M KOH electrolyte, boasting an unprecedented specific capacitance (Cp) of 860 Fg−1, specific energy (SE) soaring to an impressive 6.14 Whrkg−1, and specific power (SP) scaling the summit at a staggering 74 KWkg−1, thus epitomizing optimal performance in every facet.Furthermore, the indomitable NAZ electrode exhibited an unparalleled degree of stability, steadfastly retaining a remarkable 69.25 % of its initial capacitance even after being subjected to the rigorous crucible of successive 1000 cycles within the exacting confines of the 1 M KOH electrolyte.