Free‐Standing, Multilayered Graphene/Polyaniline‐Glue/Graphene Nanostructures for Flexible, Solid‐State Electrochemical Capacitor Application

Abstract

Graphene/polyaniline multilayered nanostructures (GPMNs) are prepared using a straightforward process through which graphite is physically exfoliated with quaternary polyaniline (PANI)‐glue. This is only accomplished by sonication of the graphite flakes in an organic solvent to form continuous films with PANI. During the sonication, the conductive PANI‐glue is spontaneously intercalated between the graphene sheet layers without deterioration of the sp2 hybridized bonding structure. The resultant free‐standing, flexible films are composed of a network of overlapping graphene sheets and are shown to have a long‐range structure. The effects of different PANI content ratios and different interfacial energies (depending on the dispersion solvent) on the morphology and properties of the resulting GPMN are examined. It is found that GPMNs dispersed in water have a maximum specific capacitance of 390 F g−1 in a three‐electrode configuration. Importantly, the unique structural design of GPMNs enables their use as electrode materials for the fabrication of flexible, solid‐state electrochemical capacitors, which show an enhanced performance compared to graphene‐only devices. They exhibit a high specific capacitance of 200 F g−1, a cycling stability with capacitance retention of 82% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles, and, moreover, superior flexibility.

Recent Advances in Nanostructured Conducting Polymers: from Synthesis to Practical Applications

“…In addition, importantly, the packing density of the nanohybrids varied with the nanosphere content, indicating the potential for high volumetric capacitance. Similarly, the fabrication of graphene/PANI multilayered nanostructures has been reported [45], in which graphite was physically exfoliated by PANI glue (Figure 14). The physically exfoliated graphene provided much better electrical properties than GO and rGO.…”

Exfoliation of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

“…Importantly, a combination of different components in the nanometer regime may lead to synergistic properties. A recent example of intercalating soluble polyaniline (PANI) chains into graphite promoted an understanding of how polymers as the intercalant can be coupled with 2D nanomaterials . Because PANI is usually insoluble in common solvents, its solubility in some organic solvents was enhanced by using functional doping agents such as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and camphorsulfonic acid.…”

Recent progress on nanostructured conducting polymers and composites: synthesis, application and future aspects

“…Another efficient way to synthesize CPs with graphene is exfoliation of graphite. Choi et al [147] reported the fabrication of free-standing flexible PANI/ graphene multilayered nanostructures by sonication of the graphite flakes in an organic solvent to form continuous films with PANI. The PANI was reported to be able to intercalate between graphene layers, without damaging graphene structures.…”