Enhanced stability in pseudocapacitors: Synthesis and characterization of a novel cathode material incorporating cinnamate and ferrocenyl functional groups
This study reports the synthesis of a novel block copolymer, PEO-PFc-PCA, comprising cinnamic acid and ferrocene units via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), and its application as a positive electrode material in pseudocapacitors. Ferrocene functions as redox-active sites for energy storage, while cinnamic acid, when crosslinked under UV light, forms a nano-network that reduces ferrocene leaching, thereby enhancing the stability and lifespan of the pseudocapacitors. Comprehensive structural characterization, including nuclear magnetic resonance and UV–visible spectroscopy, was conducted on PEO-PFc-PCA. Electrochemical tests—cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy—revealed that UV crosslinking improved the electrochemical performance, indicated by a slight increase in current and extended charging plateaus. Specific capacitance and energy density increased by 10 % post-crosslinking, demonstrating improved energy storage capacity. Nyquist plots showed reduced internal and charge transfer resistance after crosslinking, enhancing the electrochemical pathway. Stability tests indicated that crosslinked PEO-PFc-PCA retained 90.1 % of its capacitance after 3000 cycles, compared to 86.6 % pre-crosslinking, highlighting its superior longevity. This research presents a promising approach to enhancing pseudocapacitor energy storage through cinnamic acid photopolymerization, potentially benefiting broader pseudocapacitive electrode designs.
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