Synthesis and Characterization of Polypyrrole-Protected Y2O3 Binary Composite: A Promising Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

In this work, the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a novel binary composite comprising polypyrrole (PPy) protected Y2O3 was fabricated via in situ oxidative-polymerization technique is presented. The investigation primarily focuses on the elucidating the structural, chemical and electrochemical properties of the synthesized composite material to assess its potential applicability as an electrode material in supercapacitors. The structural and bonding aspects of the synthesized sample were examined using advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was employed to confirm the synthesis of particles within the nano-range, providing the crucial insights into the morphology and size distribution of the composite. Furthermore, the chemical composition and thermal stability of the composite were evaluated through energy dispersive X-ray and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, respectively. These analyses contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the material’s composition and stability under different temperature conditions. The electrochemical performance of the PPy-Y2O3 nanocomposite was assessed via cyclic voltametric measurements, revealing a semi-rectangular loop indicative of high surface area and specific conductance. The composite displayed significant charge storage capacity and revealed exceptional ionic and electrical conductivity, highlighting its feasibility for use as an electrode material in supercapacitors. Furthermore, the synthesized PPy-Y2O3 nanocomposite possesses a unique combination of structural integrity, chemical stability and superior electrochemical properties, making it a promising candidate for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices, particularly in supercapacitor applications.