Preparation and Electrochemistry of SWNT/PANI composite films for electrochemical capacitors

Single-walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline (SWNT/PANI) composite films were prepared by in situ electrochemical polymerization of an aniline solution containing different SWNT contents. Surface morphology and structural properties of these PANI-based films were examined by a scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical capacitance properties of these films were investigated with cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge tests, and ac impedance spectroscopy. The composite film, based on the charge-transfer complex between well-dispersed SWNT and PANI matrixes, shows much higher specific capacitance, better power characteristics, and is more promising for applications in capacitors than a pure PANI film electrode. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.