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

Abstract

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.