High performance nanocomposite electrodes of mesoporous silica platelet-polyaniline synthesized via impregnation polymerization

A novel high specific capacitance mesoporous polyaniline (PANI)/silica platelet nanocomposite electrode material for supercapacitors was prepared by an impregnation polymerization. The initiator was embedded firstly in the mesoporous silica pores and channels and then initiated the polymerization of aniline (AN). Compared with the other mesoporous silica materials, the mesoporous silica platelets possess a relative shorter mesoporous channels, leading an easier penetration process of initiator and AN to the inner of mesoporous silica platelets. The structures, morphologies, and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites were thoroughly studied by a series of methods, such as X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscope, nitrogen adsorption-desorption tests, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrochemical measurements. The results revealed that the PANI existed both in the inner and surface of the mesoporous silica platelets, leading a continual conductive network and a large specific surface area. These features provide the nanocomposites an excellent electrochemical performance. The biggest specific capacitance is 1,598 F g −1 at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 . POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1616–1623, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers