Chemical Polymerization Process Research Articles

Electrolyte-triggered in-situ polymerization of multi-site organic cathodes for superior-longevity cation-anion co-storage secondary batteries

Organic electrodes are promising as next-generation energy storage materials owing to their diverse structures, low mass, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the dissolution and degradation of organic active species in electrolytes are remaining obstacles to their authentic commercialization. Herein, we report an instantaneous in-situ upgrading strategy to convert multi-site organic cathode materials, e.g., 1-aminoanthraquinone (1-AAQ) and 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone (1,5-DAAQ), into poly(1-aminoanthraquinone) (PAAQ) and poly(1,5-diaminoanthraquinone) (PDAAQ) simply by dropping the electrolyte during battery assembly without extra operations. The remarkable chemistry is essentially a chemical polymerization process of redox-active organic monomers triggered by the electrolyte containing magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide) (Mg(HMDS)2) as an initiator. Notably, due to the π-conjugated polymer chain with inhibited dissolution, high conductivity, and improved stability, the as-obtained PDAAQ cathode delivered a high specific capacity (254 mAh/g at 100 mA/g), superior rate performance (83 mAh/g at 2000 mA/g), and excellent cycling stability for over 8000 cycles accompanied by an average capacity decay of only 0.0026 % per cycle. Detailed characterizations further explore the kinetic behaviors and verify a reversible hybrid cation–anion co-redox mechanism of PDDAQ cathode, which involves reversible Mg2+ cation insertion/extraction on AQ units and anion doping/de-doping reactions on the PANI backbones. Density functional theory (DFT) computations demonstrate the optimized structure of the discharged products and indicate that Mg2+ preferably interact with two carbonyls oxygen atoms and nitrogen atom for both PAAQ and PDAAQ. This study demonstrates an intriguing in-situ chemical-polymerization synthetic approach for preparing multi-site organic electrode materials that compromise structure optimization and synthetic efforts, offering great promise for high-performance and sustainable secondary batteries.

Creating a new polyaniline@oak acorn biocomposite to remove chromium ions from wastewater effectively

A novel biocomposite material, polyaniline@oak acorn (PANI@OA), was synthesized through a straightforward in situ chemical polymerization process. The resulting adsorbent was subjected to a comprehensive analysis using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), specific surface area measurement (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This thorough characterization provided a detailed understanding of the material’s structure and properties. The effectiveness of synthesized material in removing Cr(VI) ions from water was investigated in a controlled batch adsorption setup. The findings highlighted a firm reliance on physicochemical properties during adsorption. The adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) onto PANI@OA fits best with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and closely follows the Langmuir isothermal mode. The maximum adsorption capacity of this composite material was accurately measured at 249.09 mg.g−1. We also found that PANI@OA can be easily regenerated using a NaOH solution. Thus, allowing it to be used repeatedly to eliminate Cr(VI) from water. These outcomes strongly suggest the practical feasibility of employing PANI@OA as a versatile, low-cost, and environmentally friendly composite for environmental remediation due to its adequate adsorption capacity for wastewater treatment.

Ant‐Nest‐Inspired Biomimetic Composite for Self‐Cleaning, Heat‐Insulating, and Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

AbstractThe pursuit of eco‐friendly electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) materials with multifunctional capabilities has garnered significant attention in practical applications. However, achieving these desired qualities simultaneously poses a significant challenge. This study introduces a single‐step calcination and chemical polymerization process to obtain an environmentally friendly ant‐nest‐inspired hybrid composite by optimizing conductive polypyrrole nanotubes (PNTs) within a 3D carbonaceous structure. The biomimetic composite forms a highly efficient conductive network, providing a pathway for free electrons within the carbonaceous barriers and enhancing the conduction loss. Remarkably, the EMWA performance of the composite achieves ultrathin (1.6 mm), wide effective absorption band (5.4 GHz), and strong absorption intensity (−67.6 dB) features. Moreover, due to the complex and intertwined 3D continuous network, the obtained samples exhibit excellent thermal insulation and superhydrophobic behavior by inhibiting heat transfer and preventing localized areas from being prone to water absorption. These findings not only offer a sustainable and low‐cost production route for biomimetic carbonaceous composites but also demonstrate a high‐efficiency absorber with great multifunctionality as a green alternative to traditional EMWA materials.

Characterization, Dielectric Analysis and Thermal Properties of Novel Flexible Polymer Composite Films

In this work, mixtures of polypyrrole (PPy) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) are synthesized using oxidative chemical polymerization process to create a novel flexible PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) composite films. The films were characterized by different methods as FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA to prove the efficient manufacturing of the composite. The dielectric performance measurements were done at frequency of 20 Hz to 6 MHz for the polymer PET and the composite (PPy-Fe2O3)/PET with varying concentrations of Fe2O3. Moreover, to reveal the characteristics of the fabricated composite, the contact angle, the work of adhesion, surface energy of the composite PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) films were considerably determined. The SEM results support the deposition of PPy-Fe2O3 composite on the PET surface. The water contact angle drops from 78.32° for PET to 40.11° for PET/6%(PPy-Fe2O3), while the dispersive free energy raised from 23.9 mJ m−2 to 43.7 mJ m−2and the polar free energy rises from 8.9 mJ m−2 to 22.3 mJ m−2. The concentration of Fe2O3 increased the surface features of the samples, according to the obtained results. At frequency of 100 Hz, the dielectric constant enhanced from 18 for PET to 923 for the PET/6%(PPy-Fe2O3), and the dielectric loss improved from 24 to 9231, while the energy density improved fromm 7.9 × 10−5 J/m3 for PET to 408 × 10−5 J m−3. The TGA results show marginal modifications in thermal stability after deposition the PPy/Fe2O3 on the PET film. The obtained data showed the dielectric characteristics of the PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) were improved respect to polymer PET, to can be applied the fabricated composite in storage devices and capacitors.

Additive effect of poly(N-methylaniline) coated Fe3O4 composite particles on carbonyl iron based magnetorheological fluid

Poly(N-methylaniline) (PNMA) coated magnetite (Fe3O4) (PNMA@Fe3O4) composite particles synthesized through both chemical oxidative polymerization and chemical co-precipitation processes were used as a magnetic additive for carbonyl iron (CI)-based magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The effect of the additive’s content on the rheological characteristics of the MR fluid in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field was studied along with its effect on the sedimentation ratio compared with that of CI-based MR fluid. Shear stress curves as a function of the shear rate of the CI-based MR fluids with the additive were found to be well-fitted by the Herschel–Bulkley equation and the slope of the dynamic yield stress was determined to be 2.0. The curves also showed yield stresses higher than those of the CI-based MR fluid for different magnetic field strengths. Specifically, the CI-based MR fluid with 1.0 wt% additive showed the highest yield stress and the best solid-like properties among the tested samples. Furthermore, the sedimentation issue for the CI-based MR fluid was found to improve significantly, especially for the lowest settling rate of the MR fluid with 1.0 wt% additive. The addition of 1.0 wt% PNMA@Fe3O4 additive resulted in the CI-based MR fluid exhibiting the best properties, owing to improved rheological features and a reduced sedimentation rate.

Fluorinated paracyclophane dimers for polymeric thin films via chemical vapor polymerization

Poly(para-xylylene) thin films from Gorham method via chemical vapor polymerization (CVP) process (so called Parylene) have been extensively utilized in various application fields. Specific functional groups can be also introduced into thin polymeric films via CVP process using functionalized paracyclophane dimer. There have been numerous efforts to fabricate parylene thin films using synthesized and functionalized paracyclophane dimers so far. Herein we report on synthesis of fluorine containing paracyclophane dimers and their polymeric thin films via Gorham method. Three different types of fluorine containing paracyclophane derivatives are synthesized and the CVP thin films are prepared in all cases by adjusting processing condition. Even though the functional groups on parylene thin films are similar, dramatic differences in surface energy can be observed. This work can provide extended material choices for whom want to precisely control surface properties with robust, pin-hole free, and conformal coatable polymeric thin films.

Ultra-Fast Preparation of High-Strength Polymer Concrete via Frontal Polymerization at Room Temperature.

Concrete, in particular application scenarios, such as crack repair, disaster rescue and relief, and 3D printing, needs to be cured quickly. In this work, a novel synthesis strategy, UV-initiated frontal polymerization (FP), for fast preparation of high-strength polymer concrete at room temperature is proposed, and the whole fabrication progress within several minutes, in which coarse aggregates and a small amount of short carbon fibers (CF) are used to enhance mechanical properties and heat conduction and reduce the amounts of chemical adhesives. SEM, DSC, MIP, Ultra depth of field microscope, and Rheometer are employed to characterize the properties of chemical adhesives, polymer concrete, and polymerization process. In addition, the finite element method is used to investigate the internal temperature field status of the FP process. The results indicate that the compressive and flexural strengths of the polymer concrete with 1.0wt%-1mm-CF-50vol.%-quartz sand exceeded 70 and 20MPa, respectively, in which the average self-propagation velocity reached 58mmmin-1. The investigation provides a promising approach for the rapid construction of structural facilities, emergency repair after disasters, 3D printing concrete, etc.

High mass loading paper-based electrode material with cellulose fibers under coordination of zirconium oxyhydroxide nanoparticles and sulfosalicylic acid

With the rapid expansion of the flexible electronics market, it is critical to develop high-performance flexible energy storage electrode materials. Cellulose fibers, which are sustainable, low cost, and flexible, fully meet the requirements of flexible electrode materials, but they are electrically insulating and cause a decrease in energy density. In this study, high-performance paper-based flexible electrode materials (PANI:SSA/Zr-CFs) were prepared with cellulose fibers and polyaniline. A high mass loading of polyaniline was wrapped on zirconia hydroxide-modified cellulose fibers under metal-organic acid coordination through a facile in situ chemical polymerization process. The increase in mass loading of PANI on cellulose fibers not only improves the electrical conductivity but also enhances the area-specific capacitance of the flexible electrodes. The results of electrochemical tests show that the area specific capacitance of the PANI:SSA/Zr-CFs electrode is 4181 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2, which is more than two times higher than that of the electrode with PANI on pristine CFs. This work provides a new strategy for the design and manufacture of high-performance flexible electronic electrodes based on cellulose fibers.

AC conductivity and dielectric behavior of polyaniline –Neodymium oxide composites

Polyaniline-neodymium oxide (PNdO) composites were created using the chemical polymerization process with ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. Polyaniline (PANI) and PNdO composites were prepared in various compositions viz. (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%) of Nd2O3 in polyaniline. As synthesized composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies proved the presence of Nd2O3 particles in PANI matrix., AC conductivity and dielectric loss of the composites was carried out in the frequency range from 50 Hz − 1 M Hz. AC conductivity of the composites exhibited decreased values of conductivities compared to PANI. Cole-Cole plots inferred single relaxation occurring inside PANI and the composites. Dielectric tangent loss curves exhibited single peak and can be explained using Rezlescu model.

Action of Mechanical Forces on Polymerization and Polymers.

In this review, we summarize recent developments in the field of the mechanochemistry of polymers. The aim of the review is to consider the consequences of mechanical forces and actions on polymers and polymer synthesis. First, we review classical works on chemical reactions and polymerization processes under strong shear deformations. Then, we analyze two emerging directions of research in mechanochemistry—the role of mechanophores and, for the first time, new physical phenomena, accompanying external impulse mechanical actions on polymers. Mechanophores have been recently proposed as sensors of fatigue and cracks in polymers and composites. The effects of the high-pressure pulsed loading of polymers and composites include the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya effect, emission of superradiation and the formation of metal nanoparticles. These effects provide deeper insight into the mechanism of chemical reactions under shear deformations and pave the way for further research in the interests of modern technologies.

Electrical and dielectric properties of self-assembled polyaniline on barium sulphate surface

Solid polymer electrolytes have been broadly studied due to their wide applications in various electrochemical devices. In the present work, the electrical properties of polyaniline and its composites with BaSO4 have been studied. The polymerization of aniline monomer via the ordinary chemical polymerization process showed an amorphous structure. Whereas, in the presence of BaSO4 as a seed, the aniline is polymerized in an orthorhombic crystalline structure on the BaSO4-surface. Two composite samples of PANI and BaSO4 with different amounts of BaSO4 (1.5 and 2.5 wt%) were prepared and analyzed using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and XPS techniques. The ac- electrical studies on the composites showed an enhancement in the electrical conductivity of PANI due to the addition of BaSO4. Ac- conductivity at frequency 500 kHz, and 100 °C, showed values of 1.9 × 10−3, 5.4 × 10−4, 1.6 × 10−1, and 1.9 × 10−1 S/cm for PANI, BaSO4, BaSO4/PANI 1.5 wt%, and BaSO4/PANI 2.5 wt%, respectively.

Synthesis of coral-like silver chloride-polypyrrole nanocomposites derived from silver nanoparticles and the study of their structural, thermal, optical, and electrical properties

In this research, we developed a facile method for the synthesis of silver chloride: polypyrrole (AgCl: PPy) nanocomposites with enhanced structural, thermal, optical, and conducting properties. Polypyrrole monomer was in-situ doped with varying weight percentages of assynthesized Ag nanoparticles by following simple chemical oxidation polymerization technique to form AgCl: PPy nanocomposites. The AgCl nanostructures with tree-like coral morphology are distributed uniformly into the PPy matrix without any segregation. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results reveal the successful incorporation of AgCl in the organic structure of PPy. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the formation of AgCl nanostructures in the PPy matrix during the chemical polymerization process that increases the crystallinity of amorphous PPy. The TGA analysis demonstrates the improved thermal stability of PPy nanocomposites due to the development of physiochemical interactions between the AgCl and PPy moities, this is also inferred from Fourier transform infrared results. It is noted that the electrical conductivity of AgCl: PPy nanocomposites is significantly controlled by the weight percentage of dispersed Ag nanoparticles in the polymerization assembly. The highest conductivity (1335 S cm-1) of PPy nanocomposite is attributed to the decrease in particle size, shortening of the PPy chain length, and lower bandgap energy presented at the critical weight percentage of Ag nanoparticles.

Adsorption of Tartrazine anionic dye by novel fixed bed Core-Shell- polystyrene Divinylbenzene/Magnetite nanocomposite

In this study, the in situ chemical polymerization process was used to synthesize polystyrene/magnetite nanocomposite (PS-DVB/ Fe3O4). The prepared composite was characterized by XPS, SEM, XRD, HRTEM, FT-IR, and TGA technique. The XPS as an essential elemental analysis tool proved the proposed general formulae of the prepared nanocomposite (PS-DVB/ Fe3O4). FT-IR data proved the functional groups in the proposed structural formula of the prepared nanomaterials. The thermal analysis confirmed the high thermal stability of the prepared core–shell polymer. XRD results prove the crystallinity and single phase. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the presence of Fe2O3 and PS-DVB/Fe3O4 composite has been confirmed by HRTEM. The particle size analysis was used to determine the distribution of particle size within the polymer matrix. The adsorption potential of Tartrazine azo dye from polluted water samples onto cross-linked (PS-DVB/Fe3O4) using fixed-bed adsorption column was investigated. The adsorption capacity of Tartrazine onto PS-DVB greatly improved when Fe3O4 is added to the porous composite of PS-DVB copolymer to be 0.15 mol with removal efficiency reach 98%. In this respect, the effect of liquid flow rate, initial Tartrazine concentration, and PS-DVB/Fe3O4 bed height on the adsorption technique's breakthrough features was taken. In this work, the mass transfer model, which involved the two parameters of τ (50% breakthrough time) and k (adsorption rate constant), was suggested for discussion the effect of PS-DVB/Fe3O4on such values. It was found that the adsorption capacity Qe and τ values were decreased with the flow rate increases. The flow rate had little effect, at least for the PS-DVB/Fe3O4, on the k value. On the other hand, both Qe and τ values decreased with increasing the initial Tartrazine concentration, whereas the k value was slightly increased. We concluded that the liquid flow rate, initial Tartrazine concentration, and bed height were1mL/min, 5 M, and 7 cm, respectively. Finally, the PS-DVB/Fe3O4 was a suitable Tartrazine adsorbent using a fixed-bed adsorption column, which fitted well with the mass transfer model.

Facile Preparation of PANI-Sr Composite Flexible Thin Film for Ammonia Sensing at Very Low Concentration

Conducting polymers, are still fascinating the industrial applications area since their discovery, particularly in the field of chemical sensors. For this purpose, flexible and highly sensitive based polyaniline-strontium (PANI-Sr) films were successfully prepared via a facile in-situ chemical polymerization process of aniline in presence of Sr (NO3)2 deposited on biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) flexible substrates with prior surface treatment using (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane. Spectral, structural, morphological, and surface behavior characterizations were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and surface wettability. The electrical conductivity was measured by the usual four probes technique. Noticeably, the prepared films with Sr (NO3)2 ∼2 M have shown a highest conductivity of 0.3 S·cm−1 over the other samples. This conductivity feature has been exploited to test the sensitivity and the performances of the obtained films toward different type of gas. The PANI-Sr sensor demonstrates an outstanding selectivity and an excellent sensitivity towards the ammonia (498% response to 100 ppm) within a detection limit of 0.013 ppm, and a fast response/recovery time (1 s /42 s) toward 50 ppm at room temperature. The PANI-Sr sensor also showed a good reproducibility during five cycles. The interaction mechanism of PANI-Sr sensor film and the NH3 vapors was discussed basing on the impedance spectroscopy analysis results. The obtained results highlight the paramount role played by the strontium particle in enhancing the ammonia detection performances, when they are imbedded into PANI matrix through facile preparation process, and they emphasize their prominence over the similar study.

Polypyrrole-coated carbon nanotube/cotton hybrid fabric with high areal capacitance for flexible quasi-solid-state supercapacitors

To achieve high performance flexible supercapacitors, flexible electrodes with good electrochemical performance, high stability, and superior mechanical property are strongly needed. With their light weight, intrinsically mechanical flexibility, and the unique textile structure, fabrics of polymeric fibers hold great promise as an ideal substrate for building flexible electrodes. However, the exploration of such electrodes that can be prepared in a facile and scalable way, and simultaneously have a high areal capacitance is still a challenge. Here, we report a polypyrrole (PPy)-coated carbon nanotube/cotton hybrid fabric, which are fabricated by a highly facile and scalable knitting and chemical polymerization process, to address above issue. Remarkably, the resulting fabric with a PPy mass loading of 13.2 mg cm−2 exhibits a high areal capacitance (4192 mF cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2) and good rate capability (50% capacitance retention at 100 mA cm−2) as well as excellent cycling stability (95% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). The quasi-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor assembled with this fabric electrodes delivers an areal capacitance of 1947 mF cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2, a maximum energy density of 0.17 mWh cm−2 and a maximum power density of 25.6 mW cm−2. Our study therefore provides a new opportunity for developing flexible supercapacitors with high performance and scalable production.

Improved Thermoelectric Performance in TiO2 Incorporated Polyaniline: A Polymer-Based Hybrid Material for Thermoelectric Generators

Enhanced thermoelectric performances have been achieved in hybrid nanocomposites of TiO2 incorporated into electrically conductive polyaniline (PANI) through a chemical polymerization process, for next-generation energy sources. Different weight percentages of TiO2 were used in hybrid nanocomposites and their charge transport properties were studied to understand the consequence of TiO2 incorporation in the PANI matrix. Aniline was used as reactant, and ammonium peroxydisulfate as polymerizing agent during synthesis process. The hybrid composites of TiO2 incorporated PANI were studied by using X-ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform-infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopic images. The thermoelectric characteristics of this PANI-based composite were much improved as compared to pure PANI. The ordered chain structures of PANI, and the decrease of carrier hopping barrier with incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles in the PANI chain matrix improved the charge carrier conduction and lead towards enhanced thermoelectric properties of these materials. The maximum Seebeck coefficient (S) as recorded 1.767 mV/°C, was fivefold larger as compared with pure PANI. The analysis of results reveal that these hybrid composites are potential candidates for next-generation thermoelectric generators with their light weight, environmentally friendly nature and cost-effectiveness for energy harvesting applications.

MOF-modified polyester fabric coated with reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole as electrode for flexible supercapacitors

The interest in wearable supercapacitors has been flourishing in both the scientific and industrial fields. Here, daily-used polyester fabric (PET) is modified by using an Al-based MOF, namely MIL-53(Al), via a layer-by-layer assembly method at room temperature. Then, reduced graphene oxide is deposited on the PET/MOF surface through dip coating in a graphene oxide suspension, followed by chemical reduction. Ultimately, pyrrole is polymerized on the surface of the PET/MOF/rGO surface by an in situ chemical polymerization process. The obtained composite is used as electrode achieving an areal capacitance of 510 mF cm−2 at a scanning rate of 1 mV s−1 in an aqueous H2SO4 electrolyte. The optimized electrode is employed in a symmetrical solid-state-supercapacitor device, which delivers a volumetric capacitance of 3.5 F cm−3, energy density of 64 μW h cm−3 and power density of 0.6 mW cm−3. The symmetrical device shows a good cycling stability even after 12 months storage in ambient conditions retained 85% of the initial capacitance after 1000 voltammetric cycles.

Boosting electrical properties of flexible PEDOT/cellulose fiber composites through the enhanced interface connection with novel combined small-sized anions

Rapid development of flexible electronics has raised the demand for renewable conductive materials. Biomass-derived cellulose fibers (CFs) are very promising candidates due to their outstanding advantages. In this paper, flexible, lightweight and freestanding biomaterial with high electrical conductivity was prepared via in situ chemical polymerization process using 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and CFs. In order to improve the performance of PEDOT/CFs, novel combined small-sized anion doping agents, sulphosalicylic acid (SSA) and sodium benzenesulfonate (SBS), were adopted to construct a well-organized conducting layer. The obtained PEDOT layer possessed good crystallinity and high doping level and was uniformly coated onto the surface of CFs through the dopant-dependent interface. The PEDOT:SSA-SBS/CFs exhibited electrical conductivity as high as 472 S/m and the mass loading was up to 1.92 mg/cm2. Moreover, the flexible biomaterial displayed favorable electrochemical stability. Hence, the results presented here provide a new way to produce highly conducting and flexible biomaterial.

Electrophoretic as New Method for Deposition of Polyaniline Derivatives Nanostructure Coatings

In this research, at the commencement, polyaniline (PANi), polyorthoanisidine (PoAnis), polyorthotoluidine (PoTol), and polyorthoamino phenol (PoAP) were synthesized through a chemical polymerization process. Subsequently, the nanostructured coatings of these polymers were electrodeposited on a stainless steel 304 substrate through an electrophoresis method in a solution containing emeraldine salt in multiple solvents (as a colloidal suspension) and aluminum nitrate (as a charging agent). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to assess the structure and determine the synthesized polymer morphology. The SEM images clearly indicated that the particle sizes of all the polymers were less than 100 nm. In electrophoresis approach, voltage, time and the type of solvent are the effective factors and components on the film quality. Henceforward, we commenced studying how these factors can affect the coating of nanostructured polyaniline and its derivatives. The optimum voltage, process time, and solvent amount required for the formation of each nanostructured polymeric coating were obtained as 25 V, 12 min, and ethanol for PANi, 5 V and 8–10 min for PoAP, 30 V and 25 min for PoTol, 37 V and 20 min for PoAnis, respectively.

The Capacitive Behavior of Polyluminol on Carbon Nanotubes Electrodes

AbstractA polymerized luminol carbon nanotube (CNT) composite electrode was developed via an in situ chemical polymerization (CpLum) process. Density functional theory (DFT) simulation suggested the luminol molecules were preferentially aligned flat on the CNTs. This was further demonstrated through a morphological study, which showed the CpLum wrapped around each CNT homogeneously with an average thickness of 4.5±1.5 nm. The surface chemical analysis by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed a progressive increase in the nitrogen content and stabilized at 9 %. Deconvolution of the high‐resolution N 1s spectra suggested the presence of secondary and tertiary amine functional groups, which are the signatures of polymerized luminol. The composite electrodes exhibited a pseudocapacitive‐like behavior with 3.5 times increase in charge storage. The contributions from the CpLum coating and CNT substrate were differentiated and were further deconvoluted to quantify the capacitive charge storage of each component. The thin CpLum coating contributed 70 % of the total charge storage through pseudocapacitance. CpLum‐CNT electrodes also showed a high rate capability and good cycling stability, very promising for electrochemical capacitors.