Electrochemical Deposition of PANI/PEDOT:PSS Composite Polymer for Supercapacitors Application

Abstract

Supercapacitors have attracted a great deal of interest in energy storage due to their high power density and exceptionally long cycle life. Conductive polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI) and poly (3,4-ehtylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), are among the most studied electroactive materials due to their excellent properties. In the present study, PANI and PANI/PEDOT:PSS composites were synthesized electrochemically for supercapacitor applications. Characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, indicate the amorphous nature of PANI and PANI/PEDOT:PSS composites. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to analyze the optical properties of PANI and PANI/PEDOT:PSS composite. The morphology of the PANI/PEDOT:PSS composite observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the morphology of the porous structure, which enhances charge transport in the supercapacitor. The electrochemical performance of both materials was obtained in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry study of the PANI/PEDOT:PSS composite showed the highest specific capacitance of 1265.38 F/g at a scan rate of 20 mV compared with PANI, which recorded a value of 1020 F/g at 10 mV/s. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with an appropriate equivalent circuit model was employed to explore the internal resistance and capacity observed for PANI and PANI/PEDOT:PSS. Electrochemical and physicochemical characterization tests showed that the composite exhibited superior electrical and structural performance, making it a suitable material for energy storage applications.