(3em) High Performance Conducting Polymer Based Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices

Next generations electrochemical energy storage devices require high-power, high-energy density, simultaneously. To achieve this goal, it is essential to identify novel electrode materials based on nanoparticles, nanotubes or nanofibers with decreased transport length of ions/electrons and high surface area. Energy storage devices (capacitor, battery) based on electroactive polymers and carbon nanomaterials recently gained significant interest to supply high-power, high-energy, simultaneously, for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  The development of conjugated polymeric nanofiber with controlled aspect ratio and morphology exhibits attractive potential in terms of improved electronic conductivity and porosity that are competitive with state-of-the-art RuO₂.

Conducting polyaniline nanofibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes with their exotic properties can significantly increase power (W/kg) and energy density (Wh/kg) in addition, to their longer life cycles and charging-discharging efficiency. We assembled free-standing multilayered thick (10 to 60 microns) electrodes of conducting polyaniline (PANi) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) that are robust, binder-free using rapid spray and vacuum-assisted layer by layer techniques. The electrode microstructure reveals porous nanostructure with high surface area; Preliminary results for these highly conductive electrodes (4.4 S/cm) show high pseudocapacitance of 210 F/cm³ and are stable over 1000 cycles. I will present our findings on the optimization of the free standing (along with thin film) asymmetric electrode morphology and electrochemical performance in aqueous and organic electrolytes including the ongoing research in this area.