The composites of polyaniline with multiwall carbon nanotubes: Preparation, electrochemical properties, and conductivity

Abstract

Composite materials based on the multiwall nanotubes (content in the material from 1 to 65 wt %) and polyaniline are prepared and characterized. The composite materials are prepared by four methods: chemical synthesis, electrochemical synthesis, mixing of dry components, and mixing of solutions with subsequent removal of solvent. The results of calculations of the specific capacity of the composite materials, as well as their conductivity, stability, and behavior under the conditions of charging-discharging point out to their applicability in devices for the energy storage. The range of critical changes in the values of specific capacity and conductivity falls into the interval of the multiwall nanotubes content in the composite from 5 to 25 wt %. The composite materials preparation methods used in this work enable one to choose an appropriate composite preparation method reasoning from the final purpose of its application (obtaining of high capacity or conductivity). The carbon nanotubes, the body of the composite, with their stable electronic conduction, can sustain the composite’s electrical conductivity at reasonable level irrespective of the properties of the second component (polyaniline) in the case in question.