Electrode Components Research Articles

Comprehensive Study on Cell Components in High‐Voltage Pouch Cells with Lithium Perchlorate: Decomposition, Transesterification, Chlorination, Deposition, and Self‐Discharge

AbstractBattery development has traditionally focused on high energy and long lifetime cells, but there is now a shift towards their sustainability and safety. One example of this trend is the search for fluorine‐free conductive salts. The overwhelming majority of lithium‐ion conductive salts contain fluorine, which is critical regarding their environmental impact, sustainability, and toxicology. In this study, we perform a comprehensive investigation of the performance and aging mechanisms of cell components with LiClO4 as conductive salt in high‐voltage NMC622‖Graphite pouch cells. The cells containing LiClO4 show poorer electrochemical performance compared to their LiPF6 equivalents. However, to the best of our knowledge, a mechanistic understanding of the effect of LiClO4 on the aging of electrode and electrolyte components for high‐voltage cells is largely missing. Developing such an understanding will pave the way toward designing alternative salts to LiPF6, ultimately leading to fluorine‐free and more sustainable battery cells. Our results show, that the chlorination of ethyl methyl carbonate at both methyl and ethyl groups and the formation of large (Liw)AlxOyClz composite deposits on the cathode surface result from perchlorate degradation at the cathode. This leads to increased cell resistance, reduced capacity retention, and accelerated degradation of the LiClO4‐containing electrolytes.

Advanced piezoelectric fluid energy harvesters by monolithic fluid–structure–piezoelectric coupling: A full-scale finite element model

A full-scale finite element model is presented for monolithic fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations of thin-walled piezoelectric fluid energy harvesters (PFEHs). Unlike widely used beam/plate-based models, our model employs a solid finite element discretization to precisely represent the complex PFEH designs involving microstructured transducers and non-uniform cantilevers. These features, plus the local FSI effects, are often ignored by simplified models. We applied the Galerkin method to formulate the weak form of the mixed equation system, integrating the flow dynamics, the geometrically nonlinear cantilever, the piezoelectric components, the electrode, and the output circuit within a closed-circuit electro-mechanical coupled system. The coupling of the multiple domains is achieved through boundary-fitted discretization within a monolithic scheme, using shifted-Crank–Nicolson temporal integration. This work explored implementing piezoelectric FSI systems within the FEniCS-based TurtleFSI library, and experimented techniques such as employing penalty functions for achieving electrode components with uniform electric potentials. We investigated various advanced PFEH features, including the baseplate design, the arrangement and microstructure of the piezoelectric components, and their influence on the system's dynamic and energy output behavior. The results confirmed the model's key advantages: full-scale modeling allows the integration of complex base structures and transducer microstructures in PFEH design. Combined with monolithic FSI coupling, it offers greater versatility, supporting a wider range of fluid environments and configurations in both wind and hydropower harvesting. Additionally, the modeling strategy can be intended not only to enhance power output, but also to minimize material usage, reduce mechanical fatigue, and extend the operational lifespan of PFEH systems.

Mechanistic Understanding of Long Duration Fast Charge Aqueous Zinc Batteries Using Physically Adsorbed Oligomers as Interphases.

Polymers have been used as additives in the liquid electrolytes typically used for secondary batteries that utilize metals as anode. Such additives are conventionally argued to improve long-term anode performance by suppressing morphological and hydrodynamic instabilities thought to be responsible for out-of-plane and dendritic metal deposition during battery charging. More recent studies have reported that the polymer additives provide even more fundamental mechanisms for stabilizing metal electrodeposition through their ability to regulate metal electrodeposit crystallography and, thereby, morphology. Few studies explore how polymers carried in a liquid electrolyte achieve these functions, and fewer still provide rules for choosing among the various polymer types, the additive polymer molecular weight (Mw), and concentration in the electrolyte. Here, we investigate how these generally easy-to-control variables influence electrochemical interphase formation inside battery cells and their impact on the morphology and reversibility of Zn electrodes in aqueous electrolytes. We focus on aqueous Zn-iodine electrochemical cells containing linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains as additives and find that in electrolytes where the polymer concentration is maintained in the dilute solution regime there is an optimum polymer molecular weight (Mw ≈ 1000 Da), above which beneficial effects of polymers on Zn electrode reversibility and Zn-I2 battery lifetime are progressively lost. By means of optical ellipsometry and theoretical calculations, we show that the optimal Mw is associated with saturation of the thickness of a physiosorbed PEG coating on the Zn metal electrode. Electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of Zn electrodeposits formed in such electrolytes reveal that the physiosorbed polymer coating has two primary effects─it regulates the deposit morphology and suppresses parasitic reactions between the electrode and electrolyte components. The parasitic reactions produce species like ZnO, which are known to passivate the Zn electrode and promote nonuniform deposition. Galvanostatic cycling measurements in aqueous Zn-I2 cells containing the PEG additives at the optimal Mw show that the cells maintain very high Coulombic efficiencies (≥99%) at current densities as high as 50 mA/cm2─close to the maximum values permissible across the Celgard separator membranes used in our studies.

A Comprehensive Guide to Fully Inkjet‐Printed IGZO Transistors

AbstractIn this concise review, the recent advancements in fully inkjet‐printed (IJP) indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) over the past years are discussed. IGZO has replaced hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) as the primary channel material for liquid‐crystal display TFTs and has gained further attention due to the solution processability of IGZO inks. Despite the longstanding practice of printing IGZO for approximately fifteen years, the realization of fully inkjet‐printed devices, including both dielectric and electrode components, represents a recent milestone in research, potentially heralding a cost‐effective era for IGZO transistors. In this review, following an introductory exposition of IGZO, the focus is on the different ink formulations, currently deployed for solution‐processed IGZO devices, the intricacies of the printing procedure involved are delineated, and ongoing research endeavors pertaining to the printing of dielectrics and electrodes for such devices are expounded upon.

Intercalation of g-C3N4/Ag2S heterostructure on boronized Ni-MOF for enhanced water splitting and energy storage applications

The increasing global demand for energy conversion and storage technologies including water electrolysis, fuel cells, batteries & supercapacitors depend critically on the performance of their electrode components. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), particularly Nickel Zeolite Imidazole Frameworks (Ni-ZIF) have drawn significant attention due to their greater electrocatalytic performance. Still, their restricted active sites & stability hinder their broader implementation in alkaline/saline water electrolysis & supercapacitor applications. Here, we are reporting the intercalation of heterostructure consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) on Boronized Ni-ZIF (B:NZ) for empowered alkaline/saline water splitting and supercapacitor applications. These heterostructure addition over Boronized Ni-ZIF demonstrated minimal overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (324 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (78 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) in alkaline medium (1 M KOH). The observed improvement in activity is ascribed to the decreased charge transfer resistance (Rct) & the augmented electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Furthermore, Ag2S/g-C3N4/Boronized Ni-ZIF exhibited high specific capacitances of 1076.6 F/g and areal capacitance of 2584 F/cm2 at 0.50 A g-1 in supercapacitor applications. The incorporation of the g-C3N4 layer has enhanced the surface area and roughness facilitating stronger adhesion between hybrid layers which in turn resulted in prolonged stability exceeding 20 h in water splitting and 86 % retention in supercapacitor application.

Assembly method for curved porous circular workpieces based on multidimensional information fusion: Grid electrode component

To tackle the problems related to the complexities of obtaining depth information for circular workpiece with arc surface and holes, a novel vision guidance method has been introduced to precisely gauge interlayer spacing. The process includes the acquisition and preprocessing of point cloud depth information, along with matching and edge processing. The depth coordinates of the point cloud are subsequently determined. Two-dimensional image processing technology is employed to extract the coordinates of the center of the surface circular hole in the curved porous circular workpiece. The 3D coordinates are generated for guiding the assembly by integrating these datasets. Experiments on grid parts in aviation propulsion systems demonstrate that this method maintains dot matrix spacing within 0.5–1.2 mm, ensures the coaxiality of the center hole, and meets assembly standards. The results confirm the method’s effectiveness for automated assembly of curved porous round workpieces.

Design of PtSn Nanocatalysts for Fuel Cell Applications.

The challenges in the fuel cell industry lie in the cost, performance, and durability of the electrode components, especially the platinum-based catalysts. Alloying has been identified as an effective strategy to reduce the cost of the catalyst and increase its efficiency and durability. So far, most studies focused on the design of PtM bimetallic nanocatalyst, where M is a transition metal. The resulting PtM materials show higher catalytic activity, but their stability remained challenging. In addition, most of the transition metals M are expensive or low abundant. Tin (Sn) has gained attention as alloying element due to its versatility in manufacturing both anode and cathode electrodes. If used as anode catalyst, it is able to overcome poisoning from CO and related intermediates. As cathode catalyst, it improves the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Additionally, Sn is an abundant and cheap element. The current contribution outlines the state of the art on the alloy and shape effect on PtSn activity and stability, demonstrating its high potential to develop cheaper, more efficient and durable catalysts for fuel-cell electrodes. Additionally, in situ analytical and spectroscopic studies can shed light on the elementary steps involved in the use of PtSn catalytic systems. Finally, this intriguing material can be used as a parent system for the synthesis of high-entropy-alloys and intermetallics materials.

Influence of Conductive Additives and Binder on the Impedance of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes: Effect of an Inhomogeneous Distribution

The conductive additive and binder domain (CBD) is an essential component of lithium-ion battery electrodes. It enhances the electrical connectivity and mechanical stability within the solid electrode matrix. Migration of the binder during electrode drying can lead to an inhomogeneous distribution of the CBD, impeding transport of lithium ions into the electrodes, and diminishing the electronic pathways between solid particles and the current collector. This is especially prominent in thick electrodes at high drying rates. Therefore, we investigate the effect of a non-uniform CBD distribution on the electrochemical performance of NMC622 electrodes via microstructure-resolved three-dimensional (3D) simulations on virtual electrodes, based on tomographic image data, and compare them with experimental results. The valuable information derived by combining microstructure-resolved models with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements on symmetric cells under blocking electrolyte conditions is used to characterize the lithium-ion transport in the electrode pore space, including the contributions of the CBD. The effect of this inhomogeneity on electrode performance is then gauged via galvanostatic discharge simulations under changing discharge currents and for varying electrode densities. Through our work, we demonstrate the significance of the CBD distribution and enable predictive simulations for future battery design.

Rational design of FeF2‐based cathode to realize high‐performance potassium storage

AbstractThe poor electronic conductivity of conversion‐type materials (CMs) and the dissolution/diffusion loss of transition metal (TM) ions in electrodes seriously hinder the practical applications of potassium ion batteries. Simply optimizing the electrode materials or designing the electrode components is no longer effective in improving the performance of CMs. Binders, as one of the electrode components, play a vital role in improving the electrochemical performance of batteries. Here we rationally designed FeF2 electrodes for the first time by optimizing electrode materials with the introduction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and combined with a sodium alginate (SA) binder based on strong interactions. We show that the FeF2@CNTs‐SA cathode does not suffer from TM ion dissolution and delivers a high capacity of 184.7 mAh g−1 at 10 mA g−1. Moreover, the capacity of FeF2@CNTs‐SA is as high as 99.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, which is a twofold increase compared to FeF2@CNTs‐PVDF. After calculating the average capacity decay rate per cycle of them, we find that FeF2@CNTs‐SA is about one‐third lower than FeF2@CNTs‐PVDF. Therefore, the SA binder can be broadly used for electrodes comprising several CMs, providing meaningful insights into mechanisms that lead to their improved electrochemical performances.

Fully Implantable Wireless Cardiac Pacing and Sensing System Integrated with Hydrogel Electrodes.

Cardiac pacemakers play a crucial role in arrhythmia treatment. Existing devices typically rely on rigid electrode components, leading to potential issues such as heart damage and detachment during prolonged cardiac motion due to the mechanical mismatch with cardiac tissue. Additionally, traditional pacemakers, with their batteries and percutaneous leads, introduce infection risks and limit freedom of movement. A wireless, battery-free multifunctional bioelectronic device for cardiac pacing is developed. This device integrates highly conductive (160Sm-1), flexible (Young's modulus of 80kPa is similar to that of mammalian heart tissue), and stretchable (270%) soft hydrogel electrodes, providing high signal-to-noise ratio (≈28dB) electrocardiogram (ECG)recordings and effective pacing of the beating heart. The versatile device detects physiological and biochemical signals in the cardiac environment and allows for adjustable pacing in vivo studies. Remarkably, it maintained recording and pacing capabilities 31 days post-implantation in rats. Additionally, the wireless bioelectronic device can be fully implanted in rabbits for pacing. By addressing a major shortcoming of conventional pacemakers, this device paves the way for implantable flexible bioelectronics, which offers promising opportunities for advanced cardiac therapies.

A high stretchability micro-crack tactile sensor system based on strain-isolation substrate

The integration of inflexible constituents onto pliable substrates is widely acknowledged as the most pragmatic approach for the realization of stretchable electronics. Nevertheless, the assurance of enduring connectivity between rigid electrode components and these compliant substrates poses a formidable quandary. In the scope of our investigation, we proffer a resolution by conceptualizing a PDMS substrate replete with strain isolation partitions, which can generate Young's modulus difference of approximately 30 times. These partitions efficaciously safeguard the steadfast linkage between rigid components and electrodes, even under diverse strain provocations, a stable connection can be maintained even when able to withstand strain exceeding 120 %. Using this substrate, we constructed a visual deformation sensing system based on microcrack type sensors. Compared with traditional flexible substrates (2 % strain), systems based on strain isolation substrates have better tensile stability (10 % strain). This groundbreaking innovation bestows stretchable micro-crack strain-sensing systems the resilience to contend with the potentially formidable rigors of everyday application.

Controlled synthesis of Co–Ni3Se2/MoS2/Ni3S2 nanoarrays as robust electrocatalyst for urea and seawater oxidation reaction

Hydrogen production through electrolysis of water is becoming more and more prominent in the preparation of renewable energy, but the shortage of traditional electrolyte forces us to search for brand new electrolytes. And urea and seawater, which are in large reserves and easily accessible, have become the mainstream electrolytes for hydrogen production. This paper reported the successful preparation of Co-doped Ni3Se2 heterostructured catalysts with MoS2 and Ni3S2 heterogeneous structure in details by selenization and sulfidation of reactive metal oxides with hydroxide precursors. The Co–Ni3Se2/MoS2/Ni3S2 target compounds showed excellent performance in the urea oxidation reaction (UOR), requiring only the potential of 1.281 V at a current density of 10 mA∗cm−2 comparing with other catalysts while possessing a smaller Tafel slope as well as a larger double-layer capacitance, which was also reflected in impedance spectra. The result indicated that the target catalysts possessed a good urea oxidation reaction performance in all aspects. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance also performed equally well in seawater electrolyte, a current density of 10 mA∗cm−2 was achieved with only overpotential of 164 mV. It should be noted, however, that the material was not stable in the urea and seawater tests, and further optimization work is needed to improve the stability of the electrode. The adsorption energies of the electrode components for urea molecules were analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to further reveal the importance of the heterogeneous structure of the electrode during the UOR reaction.

On the Selection of the Current Collector for Water Processed Activated Carbon Electrodes for Their Application in Electrochemical Capacitors

AbstractElectrode manufacturing for electrochemical energy storage technologies often relies on hazardous fluorine‐containing compounds and toxic organic solvents. To align with sustainability goals and reduce costs, there is a pressing need for water‐processable alternatives. These alternatives can halve electrode processing costs and ease regulatory burdens. While progress has been made with water‐processed graphite electrodes using eco‐friendly binders, challenges persist for high‐mass loading activated carbon (AC) electrodes. This study investigates the impact of modified aluminium current collectors on water‐processed AC electrodes, focusing on compatibility, processability, and electrochemical performance. Various aluminium foils, including etched and carbon‐coated types, were evaluated. The results show that modifications at the interface significantly improve the wetting properties and mechanical stability. Electrochemical tests revealed that carbon‐coated aluminium provided the lowest internal resistance and highest rate capability due to intimate contact between the electrode components. In contrast, etched aluminium foil exhibited higher contact resistance and poorer performance. Ageing studies demonstrated that carbon‐coated foils maintained better electrochemical performance over time, as the carbon layer reduced degradation reactions and contact resistance. These findings suggest that uniformly carbon‐coated aluminium current collectors are the optimal choice for high‐power electrochemical capacitors, balancing performance, sustainability, and cost‐efficiency.

Intense pulsed light-induced millisecond selective heat treatment for high-performance silicon anodes

Silicon, which is gaining prominence as a potential anode material, exhibits long-term cycle stability issues owing to volume changes during cycling. This study presents a meticulously designed Si anode that employs intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to simultaneously reduce carbon additives and construct an effective carbon quantum dot (CQD)-derived binder system. IPL, as a light-material interaction technique, offers a novel approach for selective heat treatment with remarkably short processing durations on the order of milliseconds. By comprehensively considering the geometric structure, optical characteristics, and thermal properties of each electrode component, heat transfer bridge (HTB) materials are introduced to ensure a homogeneous depth-directional heat treatment and to minimize binder decomposition in the IPL process. By employing HTB materials, the binder can reach a controlled target temperature for the condensation reaction between poly (acrylic acid) and the CQDs. Simultaneously, higher heat generation in the conductive carbon than in the binder leads to selective additional carbon reduction. This unique approach provides selective heat treatment, which cannot be achieved using conventional methods, resulting in a Si anode with excellent cyclic stability and rate capability. The versatility of the IPL technology is further demonstrated by applying it to relatively inexpensive Si microparticles.

Selectivity Study of Direct Seawater Electrolyzer Anode Catalysts Using the Rotating Ring-Disc Electrode Method

Seawater electrolysis suffers from many issues that must be resolved before the technology can be scaled. The corrosive hypochlorite formation at the anode can damage the electrode and other electrolyzer components. Furthermore, hypochlorite is unstable and can decay, particularly when exposed to heat and metal ions, which could lead to erroneously high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) selectivity calculations in catalyst benchmarking experiments, resulting in poor catalyst and electrolyzer component selection. In this study, we used the rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) technique for the characterization of IrO2, NiO, Co3O4, RuO2, Pt/C, and PtRu electrocatalysts at near-neutral pH (8.4) in 0.5 M NaCl. The RRDE can overcome the challenge posed by thermocatalytic hypochlorite decay. IrO2 and PtRu were also studied over a range of chloride concentrations from 0.1 to 1 M. Our findings reveal that elevated temperatures (313 and 333 K) are conducive to higher OER selectivity, as the OER faradaic efficiency (FE) on IrO2 increased by 23% at 1.22 V vs SHE when the temperature was increased from 293 to 333 K. Increasing the chloride concentration from 0.1 to 1 M increased the OER current density by 40% and 200% on IrO2 and PtRu, respectively, indicating a synergistic relationship.

One-step self-assembled biomass carbon aerogel/carbon nanotube/cellulose nanofiber composite for supercapacitor flexible electrode

Flexible and exceptionally lightweight energy storage devices are crucial for wearable electronic gadgets. Biomass materials are emerging as ideal flexible electrode components due to their biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. In this study, pineapple leaf fibers were utilized to create activated biomass carbon aerogel (Bio-CAA). Then, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were integrated as conductive additives, combined with sturdy pineapple leaf cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to establish a robust 3D framework. Utilizing a one-step self-assembly method, carbon aerogel/carbon nanotube/carbon nanofiber (Bio-CAA/CNT/CNF) flexible composite electrode materials were successfully synthesized. The porous structure of Bio-CAA effectively minimized the aggregation of CNTs, thereby significantly enhancing the electrochemical performance of the electrode material. The characterization indicated that the carbon aerogel composite exhibited a high specific surface area (684.275 m2 g−1) after tablet compression. The material was light yet robust, capable of being bent arbitrarily and recovering its original shape and withstanding 400 Kpa of pressure at an 88 % strain rate, demonstrating excellent mechanical properties. In a three-electrode system, the Bio-CAA/CNT/CNF = 19:1:1 based electrode exhibited a capacitance of 481 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The CAA/CNT/CNF = 19:1:1 based solid symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) displayed excellent cycling stability, preserving 91.7 % capacitance after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. It achieved an energy density of 39.63 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1. This biomass-derived carbon aerogel-based composite material demonstrates exceptional energy storage capabilities, and its lightweight attributes make it highly suitable for use in flexible displays, wearable devices, and related fields.

High-Branched Natural Polysaccharide Flaxseed Gum Binder for Silicon-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Capacity.

Silicon-based anodes heavily depend on the binder to preserve the unbroken electrode structure. In the present work, natural flaxseed gum (FG) is used as a binder of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) anode for the first time. Owing to a large number of polar groups and a rich branched structure, this material not only anchors tightly to the surface of SiNPs through bonding interactions but also formed a hydrogen bonding network structure among molecules. As a result, the FG binder can endow the silicon electrode with stable interfacial adhesion and outstanding mechanical properties. In addition, FG with a high viscosity facilitates the homogeneous dispersion of the electrode components. When FG is used as a binder, the cycling performance of the Si anode is greatly improved. After one hundred cycles at an applied current density of 1 A g-1, the electrode continues to display remarkable electrochemical properties with a significant cyclic capacity (2213mAh g-1) and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 89.7%.

Unveiling Intercalation Chemistry via Interference-Free Characterization Toward Advanced Aqueous Zinc/Vanadium Pentoxide Batteries.

Aqueous Zn/V2O5 batteries are featured for high safety, low cost, and environmental compatibility. However, complex electrode components in real batteries impede the fundamental understanding of phase transition processes and intercalation chemistry. Here, model batteries based on V2O5 film electrodes which show similar electrochemical behaviors as the real ones are built. Advanced surface science characterizations of the film electrodes allow to identify intercalation trajectories of Zn2+, H2O, and H+ during V2O5 phase transition processes. Protons serve as the vanguard of intercalated species, facilitating the subsequent intercalation of Zn2+ and H2O. The increase of capacity in the activation process is mainly due to the transition from V2O5 to more active V2O5·nH2O structure caused by the partial irreversible deintercalation of H2O rather than the increase of active sites induced by the grain refinement of electrode materials. Eventually, accumulation of Zn species within the oxide electrode results in the formation of inactive (Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O) structure. The established intercalation chemistry helps to design high-performance electrode materials.

Thermal vapor sulfurization of Ti3C2TX MXene to TiS2/carbon nanosheet cathode for long-life and high-loading all-solid-state lithium batteries

Stable and fast operation of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSBs) depends on durable and sufficient interfacial contacts between electrode components, especially when the loading and content of electrode active materials are high. Here, we propose promoting ionic/electronic transportations and contacts in sulfide electrolyte-based ASSBs by using TiS2/carbon nanosheets (TiS2/C-s) with large area-to-thickness aspect ratios as the cathode, which are prepared by simple thermal vapor sulfurization of exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene. The elastic 2D structure of the TiS2/C-s material can substantially improve interfacial contact with the solid electrolyte, minimize the diffusion distance of lithium ions, and buffer volume/stress changes during cycling, thereby ensuring the electro-chemo-mechanical stability and fast reaction kinetics of electrodes. Consequently, a 50 wt% TiS2/C-s cathode without any conductive carbon additives demonstrates a high discharge capacity (295 mAh g−1), long-term cyclic stability (94.7 and 74.7 % capacity retention after 250 cycles at 0.1 mA cm−2 and after 2300 cycles at 1 mA cm−2, respectively), and decent rate capability (126.0 mAh g−1 at 3 mA cm−2). Moreover, stable cycling with a high areal capacity (5.95 mAh cm−2) can also be achieved.

Strategically designed multiwalled carbon nanotube/bismuth ferrite/polyaniline nanocomposites and unlocking their potential for advanced supercapacitors

Bismuth ferrite (BF) serves a potential electrode-active material due to its peculiar characteristics such as wide voltage window and high specific capacitance, excellent stability, facile synthesis routes, etc. to name a few. Herein we report the strategic design and facile synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/BF/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites, particularly for application in advanced supercapacitors. The MWCNT/BF/PANI nanocomposite architecture is a strategic design in which the maximum available surface area is utilized for the electrode nanostructure with increased porosity that allows easy movement of electrolyte-ions through it. The uniform arrangement of BF on MWCNTs helps in mitigating the possible agglomeration, further augmenting the surface area for an enhanced charge storage. The strategic layout of PANI on BF-decorated MWCNTs has given a coral-like structure for the nanocomposite electrode which significantly increased the surface area, reduced ion pathways and facilitating better access to electrolytic K+ ions. The MWCNT/BF/PANI nanocomposite electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 3640 F g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1. The innovative design as well as the synergy between the individual components of the nanocomposite electrode play a pivotal role in attaining the enhanced electrochemical performance.