Facile Synthesis of Activated Carbon-Polyaniline Composites as Electrode Material for Application in Supercapacitor

Developing energy storage systems has become a significant focus in supporting advancing renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. Supercapacitors are a critical device in this endeavor, known for their high capacitance and low internal resistance. Although carbon-based supercapacitors have been widely used, they have low energy density. This research addresses the development of activated carbon (AC) and polyaniline (PANi) composite-based supercapacitors to improve the performance of energy storage devices. AC/PANi composites were synthesized in various ratios of (20:80)%, (50:50)%, and (80:20)% using in-situ polymerization method. Supercapacitor electrodes were prepared by mixing AC/PANi composite, acetylene black, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a mass ratio of (80:10:10)%. Furthermore, coin-type supercapacitor cells were assembled using AC/PANi composite electrodes, 1 M Et4NBF4 electrolyte, and polypropylene separator. Supercapacitor performance was evaluated using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) methods. The results of FTIR analysis showed that the AC/PANi composite was successfully synthesized, with absorption peaks corresponding to the characteristics of AC and PANi. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the AC/PANi composite exhibited amorphous properties. The CV test results show that the coin cell based on the AC/PANi composite (20%:80%) indicates the highest performance with significant specific capacitance. Thus, supercapacitor electrodes based on the AC/PANi composite show potential as active materials for supercapacitor devices.