Polypyrrole–Nickel Hydroxide Hybrid Nanowires as Future Materials for Energy Storage

Abstract

Hybrid materials play an essential role in the development of the energy storage technologies since a multi-constituent system merges the properties of the individual components. Apart from new features and enhanced performance, such an approach quite often allows the drawbacks of single components to be diminished or reduced entirely. The goal of this paper was to prepare and characterize polymer-metal hydroxide (polypyrrole-nickel hydroxide, PPy-Ni(OH)2) nanowire arrays demonstrating good electrochemical performance. Nanowires were fabricated by potential pulse electrodeposition of pyrrole and nickel hydroxide into nanoporous anodic alumina oxide (AAO) template. The structural features of as-obtained PPy-Ni(OH)2 hybrid nanowires were characterized using FE-SEM and TEM analysis. Their chemical composition was confirmed by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The presence of nickel hydroxide in the synthesized PPy-Ni(OH)2 nanowire array was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both FE-SEM and TEM analyses confirmed that the obtained nanowires were composed of a polymer matrix with nanoparticles dispersed within. EDS and XPS techniques confirmed the presence of PPy-Ni(OH)2 in the nanowire array obtained. Optimal working potential range (i.e., available potential window), charge propagation, and cyclic stability of the electrodes were determined with cyclic voltammetry (CV) at various scan rates. Interestingly, the electrochemical stability window for the aqueous electrolyte at PPy-Ni(OH)2 nanowire array electrode was remarkably wider (ca. 2 times) in comparison with the non-modified PPy electrode. The capacitance values, calculated from cyclic voltammetry performed at 20 mV s−1, were 25 F cm−2 for PPy and 75 F cm−2 for PPy-Ni(OH)2 array electrodes. The cyclic stability of the PPy nanowire array electrode up to 100 cycles showed a capacitance fade of about 13%.

Perspectives on Nickel Hydroxide Electrodes Suitable for Rechargeable Batteries: Electrolytic vs. Chemical Synthesis Routes

“…Later, other types of electrodes were developed for nickel-based batteries, they are (a) pasted nickel electrodes, (b) foam nickel electrodes, and (c) fiber nickel electrodes, et cetera. On the other hand, a polymer polypyrrole templated Ni(OH) 2 in the form of nanowire configuration for energy storage has been reported [27] and it demonstrated a high storage. However, their charge propagation and mass production of cathode material is not found to be comparable to that of traditional Ni-MH batteries.…”

The toolbox of porous anodic aluminum oxide–based nanocomposites: from preparation to application

“…Similarly, the group of Lee had prepared polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT) nanostructures via electrochemical deposition in an AAO membrane [75]. Despite a single material, polymer-metal hybrid materials [76], segmented or core-shell nanostructures [77] could also be fabricated through electrochemical deposition process in AAO membrane through sequentially controlled of deposition. As reported, the obtained nanomaterials are showing great potential for energy applications [78].…”

Applications of MXene-Containing Polypyrrole Nanocomposites in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

“…As a result, the MXene/polymer nanocomposite offers significant advantages ranging from versatility, compatibility, and cost to high-performance products . One of the prominent conducting polymers that has received substantial attention in recent years as a suitable matrix for MXene is polypyrrole (PPy). − ,− The 3D chemical structure of PPy is presented in Figure (b). Owing to its high electrical conductivity, the polymer is widely used for lightweight, flexible, and cheap energy storage applications, specifically for supercapacitors and batteries .…”

“…One of the prominent conducting polymers that has received substantial attention in recent years as a suitable matrix for MXene is polypyrrole (PPy). − ,− The 3D chemical structure of PPy is presented in Figure (b). Owing to its high electrical conductivity, the polymer is widely used for lightweight, flexible, and cheap energy storage applications, specifically for supercapacitors and batteries . For instance, Zhu et al and Wu et al hybridize PPy chains with MXene to produce a high-performing freestanding and flexible ultracapacitor.…”