Abstract:The key developments in polyaniline-carbon nanotube (PANI-CNT) composites are reviewed. Apart from in situ chemical polymerization and electrochemical deposition, a number of interesting approaches including the use of aniline functionalized CNTs and ultrasound/microwave/γ-radiation initiated polymerization have been used in the preparation of composites. The structure and properties of these composites have been investigated by a variety of techniques including absorption, infrared (IR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods, scanning electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetry. The experimental results indicate favorable interaction between PANI and CNTs. The CNT content in these composites controls their conductive, mechanical, and thermal properties. The most interesting characteristic is their easy dispersibility in aqueous solution. The performance evaluation studies of PANI-CNT composites in a number of applications including supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, and actuators are highlighted.
Metal-air batteries and fuel cells are considered the most promising highly efficient energy storage systems because they possess long life cycles, high carbon monoxide (CO) tolerance, and low fuel crossover ability. The use of energy storage technology in the transport segment holds great promise for producing green and clean energy with lesser greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In recent years, nanoscale based electrocatalysts have shown remarkable electrocatalytic performance towards the construction of sustainable energy-related devices/applications, including fuel cells, metal-air battery and water-splitting processes. This review summarises the recent advancement in the development of nanoscale-based electrocatalysts and their energy-related electrocatalytic applications. Further, we focus on different synthetic approaches employed to fabricate the nanomaterial catalysts and also their size, shape and morphological related electrocatalytic performances. Following this, we discuss the catalytic reaction mechanism of the electrochemical energy generation process, which provides close insight to develop a more efficient catalyst. Moreover, we outline the future perspectives and challenges pertaining to the development of highly efficient nanoscale-based electrocatalysts for green energy storage technology.
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