Microwave assisted synthesis of poly(ortho-phenylenediamine-co-aniline) and functionalised carbon nanotube nanocomposites for fabric-based supercapacitors

A copolymer of ortho phenylenediamine and aniline was synthesised by a microwave assisted technique. Acid functionalised carbon nanotubes were incorporated into the polymer matrix. The copolymer and the nanocomposite were extensively characterised using spectral, morphological and thermal analysis techniques. Fabric-based supercapacitor devices were fabricated using these materials and their electro-chemical properties were analyzed. Both the copolymer and the nanocomposite exhibited a high specific capacitance of 147.14 F g(-1) at 0.50 A g(-1) with a capacitance retention of 82%. A low relaxation time constant of 4.5 ms was observed for the fabricated device using the nanocomposite. The copolymer and the nanocomposite were also subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity studies and they showed high biocompatibility. Due to their enhanced electrochemical performance coupled with biocompatibility, these materials can be expected to exhibit great promise as an alternative to traditional supercapacitors. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A copolymer of ortho phenylenediamine and aniline was synthesized using a microwave assisted technique, with acid functionalized carbon nanotubes incorporated into the polymer matrix. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited high specific capacitance and biocompatibility, showing promise as an alternative to traditional supercapacitors.