Possible tuning fabrication of nanoplatinum particles with the conducting copolymer films and their behavior toward the electrooxidation of methanol

The electrocopolymerization of o‐toluidine (OT) and p‐phenylenediamine (PPDA) on a platinum electrode in a solution of 0.5 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ with cyclic voltammetry was examined. The addition of PPDA to the solution of OT in 0.5 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ accelerated the electrocopolymerization of OT and PPDA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectra for the polymers showed that the unit of PPDA should have been integrated into the backbones of the copolymers to form phenazine‐like ring structures, and the delocalization of electrons in the copolymer was better than that in poly(o‐toluidine) (POT). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images for the polymers showed that the copolymers became more porous, and smaller particles, which made oxygen, oxidized the reduced copolymer more easily and faster. It was proven with SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy that the size of the nanoplatinum particles deposited on the copolymer reached 10 nm and was much smaller than those on POT. They had better tolerance to the poisoning species arising from the intermediates of the dissociation of methanol on a platinum electrode during the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Composite sodium p‐toluene sulfonate–polypyrrole–iron anode for a lithium‐ion battery

In this study, p‐toluene sulfonate (TsONa) doped polypyrrole (PPy) was synthesized for an anode in a lithium‐ion battery via a one‐step facile electropolymerization on Fe foil. The obtained TsONa–PPy–Fe composite electrode was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge profiling. As expected, many irregular microspherical particles of TsONa‐doped PPy formed and combined tightly with the surface of Fe foil. Furthermore, the obtained TsONa–PPy–Fe anode also delivered satisfactory electrochemical performances. For example, the reversible capacity was still about 105–115 mAh/g, even after at least 50 cycles. The high lithium storage activity of PPy and the high conductivity of the TsONa‐doped PPy jointly contributed into the satisfactory electrochemical performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44935.     

Study of poly(organic palygorskite-methyl methacrylate)/poly(ethylene oxide) blended gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

In this study, the composite polymer was prepared by blending poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and POPM (the copolymer of methyl methacrylate [MMA] and organically modified palygorskite), and then the composite polymer based membrane was obtained by phase-inversion method. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the composite polymer membrane has a three-dimensional network structure. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the crystalline region of PEO is disappeared when introduction of a certain amount of the PEO. Meanwhile, the elongation of composite polymer membrane increased when increasing PEO concentration, but the value of tensile strength of PEO-POPM membrane decreased. When the mass fraction of PEO was 24%, the porosity and maximum value of ionic conductivity of the composite polymer membrane were 54% and 2.41 mS/cm, respectively. The electrochemical stability window of Li/gel composite polymer electrolyte/stainless steel batteries was close to 5.3 V (vs. Li⁺/Li), and the battery of Li/gel composite polymer electrolyte/LiFePO₄ showed good cycling performance and the discharge capacity of the battery were between 169.8 and 155 mAh/g. Meanwhile, the Coulombic efficiency of the battery maintained over 95% during the 80 cycles.     

Enhanced conductivity of polyaniline in the presence of nonionic amphiphilic polymers and their diverse morphologies

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and its copolymers have excellent affinity for protons and contribute to proton transfer. In the present study, PEO and its copolymers, poly[(ethylene oxide)₂₀‐(propylene oxide)₇₀‐(ethylene oxide)₂₀] (EO₂₀PO₇₀EO₂₀, P123) and poly[(ethylene oxide)₁₀₆‐(propylene oxide)₇₀‐(ethylene oxide)₁₀₆] (EO₁₀₆PO₇₀EO₁₀₆, F127), have been found to significantly enhance the conductivity of polyaniline (PANI). After introducing these polymers, the conductivity of PANI is markedly promoted more than two orders of magnitude compared to that of PANI without additives, from 5.2 to 667 S/m. The molecular weight of PEO affects the conductivity of PANI/PEO. The mechanism by which these amphiphilic polymers are beneficial to the conductivity of PANI is studied experimentally and theoretically. The PANI/P123 prepared in the presence of PEO block copolymer shows gradually varying morphologies containing leaflike sheets, rodlike particles, and uniform chestnutlike sphere particles. This is similar to the morphology change of micelles with surfactant concentration. PEO, P123, and F127 are further found to have a positive effect on PANI as a material for sensors or supercapacitors, since high specific capacity and fast response rate are desired qualities in sensors and supercapacitors. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45547.     

Electropolymerization and energy storage of poly[Ni(salphen)]/MWCNT composite materials for supercapacitors

Ni(salphen), a Schiff base ligand compound, was synthesized and electropolymerized on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes in an acetonitrile solution via the pulse potentiostatic method and then applied as a supercapacitor electrode material. The polymerization mode was investigated through methyl replacement in the para‐position of phenyl rings in the Ni(salphen) monomer, and it was found that the Ni(salphen) monomers would polymerize by the generation of C? C bonds between the phenyl rings in the para‐position of the phenol moieties. The optimum condition for polymerization was evaluated, and when the polymerization time was 8 min, poly[Ni(salphen)] exhibited a specific capacitance up to 200 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.1 mA cm^?2, and the capacitance remains at 164 F g^?1 at 20 mA cm^?2. The energy density of the poly[Ni(salphen)] electrode reached 40 Wh kg^?1 at 0.1 mA cm^?2, about eight times greater than for a pure MWCNT electrode. Electrochemical performances were investigated, and the composites showed good redox property and ion transfer capability. This work showed that Ni(salphen) may be an attractive material in supercapacitors© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44464.     

Safe and flexible chitosan-based polymer gel as an electrolyte for use in zinc-alkaline based chemistries

A novel flexible, high performing chitosan-based gel electrolyte with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) additives is prepared, using an optimized energy and time efficient method. Incorporation of a gel-based electrolyte in batteries aims to eliminate safety hazards present within conventional liquid-based electrolyte constructions. The ionic conductivity values obtained at room temperature are in the range of 5.32–105 mS/cm depending on composition. Optical, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectra studies are conducted to understand morphological and structural changes in the films with additives. Thermogravimetric analysis, manual bending and tensile tests, linear scan and cyclic voltammetry analysis are also conducted to study the physical and electrochemical stability of the films. Also, the prepared electrolytes are incorporated to form Zn-MnO₂ batteries and tested. Results reveal no physical damage of the films under continuous bending over 250 cycles. Mechanical properties for CPK0.3 suggest a strong and ductile material well suited for the intended application. Additionally, the novel electrolyte exhibits excellent physical stability up to 50^οC, electrochemical stability until 2 V for zinc electrodes and prove to successfully accommodate redox reactions involved in the Zn-MnO₂ alkaline system.     

Electrochemical deposition of poly[N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)–nickel(II)] nanobelts as electrode materials for supercapacitors

N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)]–nickel(II) [Ni(salen)] was synthesized in situ onto the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes via a one‐step potentiostatic electrodeposition as one‐dimensional nanobelts. The synthetic process was free of any templates or additives. Potential played a key role in the formation of the poly[N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)]–nickel(II)] {poly[Ni(salen)]} nanobelts, and the electrical conductivities of the poly[Ni(salen)] decreased with increasing deposition time. The capacitance values of poly[Ni(salen)] were 272, 195, and 146 F/g at 0.05 mA/cm² for deposition times of 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively. The capacitance of the sample with a particle structure was much lower than that of poly[Ni(salen)] with a nanobelt structure. The poly[Ni(salen)] nanobelts exhibited a better capacitive behavior than the poly[Ni(salen)] particles because the nanobelt structure made access for the charge and ion to the inner part of the electrode easier. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39561.     

The unique morphology role of thorn surface in determining electrochemical performance of polyaniline nano‐fibers via one‐step method

Polyaniline nano‐fibers with thorn surface morphology (T‐PANI) were synthesized by one‐step polymerization with adding additional aniline at later stage of chemical oxidation synthesis. In order to investigate the morphology role in determining electrochemical performance, the nano‐fibers PANI without thorn (PANI) was synthesized by the same polymerization process but at different time to add additional aniline. Material structures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method, and electrochemical performance was tested through cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge‐discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The data showed that the specific capacitance of T‐PANI was 443 F g^?1 at 5 mA cm^?2, which was much more than that of PANI (338 F g^?1 at 5 mA cm^?2). The solution resistance, charge transfer resistance, and diffuse resistance of T‐PANI were also lower than these of PANI. The results indicate that the thorn surface structure plays an important role in determining the electrochemical performance of polyaniline, which attribute to the improvements in pore size, pore distribution, special surface area, and conductivity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42266.     

Wire‐shaped,dye‐sensitized solar cells with poly(vinyl alcohol) gel electrolyte and metal filaments

A kind of wire‐shaped, dye‐sensitized solar cell (WDSSC) composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel electrolyte and filament‐formed electrodes of titanium and platinum was prepared, and its photovoltaic performance was analyzed with the variations in the dimensions of the electrodes and cells. The dimensions of the wire‐shaped cell were adjusted through the thickness of the TiO₂ layer, the amount of PVA gel electrolyte, and length of the Pt filament. The dominant parameters determining the cell performance were mainly analyzed with the results from the various scanning electron microscopy images and fitted plots of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Although the conversion efficiencies of the fabricated WDSSCs were relatively lower than those of the conventional dye‐sensitized solar cells, this development should provide important guiding directions for the design of similar WDSSCs with higher efficiencies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43439.     

Fabrication of Tiron‐doped polypyrrole/MWCNT composite electrodes with high mass loading and enhanced performance for supercapacitors

In this study, the aromatic sulfonate compound Tiron with high charge to mass ratio is used as an anionic dopant for synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy). The fabricated PPy is investigated for electrochemical supercapacitor (ES) application. Testing results show that Tiron allows reduced PPy agglomeration, smaller particle size and improved charge storage properties of PPy. High capacitance and improved capacitive retention at high scan rates are achieved by the fabrication of PPy/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite electrode using safranin (SAF) as a co‐dispersant. The Tiron‐doped PPy electrode shows the highest capacitance of 7.8 F cm^?2 with a mass of 27 mg cm^?2. The Tiron‐doped PPy/MWCNT composite electrode shows good capacitance retention with a capacitance of 1.0 F cm^?2 at the scan rate of 100 mV s^?1. Symmetric supercapacitor cells are fabricated using PPy based active materials. An energy density of 0.36 mWh cm^?2 is achieved. The energy/power density and capacitance retention of the Tiron‐doped PPy/MWCNT ES is significantly improved in comparison with PPy‐based ES, prepared without Tiron or MWCNT. The Tiron‐doped PPy/MWCNT symmetric supercapacitor presents good cycling performance with 91.4% capacitance retention after 1000 charge–discharge cycles. The PPy/MWCNT composites, prepared using Tiron and SAF co‐dispersant, are promising electrodes for ES. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42376.     

New all solid‐state polymer electrolyte based on epoxy resin and ionic liquid for high temperature applications

Flexible epoxy network loaded with high amount of ionic liquid (IL) 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([DMIM]Br) has been reported by using a mixture of polyol amine as curing agent. The IL presents good electrochemical response even at 170 °C, as no evidence of redox reactions was observed. The incorporation of as high as 50 wt % of this IL within the epoxy matrix resulted in solid and flexible electrolyte with good thermal stability below 180 °C, as measured by thermogravimetric analysis and ionic conductivity of around 10^?6 S cm^?1 at room temperature and higher than 10^?3 S cm^?1 at high temperature. This electrolyte presented a prodigious potential for applications in electrochemical devices at high temperature like batteries and supercapacitors, and the flexibility of this solid electrolyte persist at low temperature because of its low glass transition temperature. Furthermore, leakage problems were not observed. Thereby, impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were performed to characterize the electrochemical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45838.     

Preparation of pseudocapacitor electrodes via electrodeposition of polyaniline on nonwoven carbon fiber fabrics

Aniline has been polymerized via electrodeposition onto various nonwoven carbon fiber fabric (CFF) substrates for use as a pseudocapacitive electrochemical capacitor. Four types of CFF were initially tested for double layer capacitance before polyaniline deposition, and again for specific capacitance after deposition. A binder‐free CFF was selected for further analysis due to its high capacitance change following PANI deposition (three orders of magnitude). The aniline monomer concentration, deposition potential, and deposition time were varied and resulting materials were characterized using chrono‐potentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The deposition potential range yielding highest capacitance was found to be between 0.744 and 0.777 V. A solution concentration of 0.5M aniline at a 20 min deposition time resulted in the highest specific capacitance (>80 F/g based on total electrode mass and >300 F/g based on PANI mass) within this study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43315.     

Electrochemical capacitor composed of doped polyaniline and polymer electrolyte membrane

We prepared polyaniline doped with LiPF₆ and HCl, respectively, using chemical methods. The electrode composite was attached to both sides of Al mesh, while the polymer electrolyte mixture was spread on a glass plate. Then, the polyaniline‐based redox supercapacitor was fabricated using two electrodes and a polymer electrolyte membrane. The electrochemical performance of the redox supercapacitor was investigated by using the charge/discharge method, cyclic voltometry, and impedance spectroscopy. The initial specific capacitance was ≈115 F/g and it retained ≈90 F/g even after 5000 cycles. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 1300–1304, 2003     

Enhanced performance by polyaniline/tailored carbon nanotubes composite as supercapacitor electrode material

Polyaniline/tailored carbon nanotubes composite (PANI/TCN) synthesized via situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of tailored carbon nanotubes (TCN) is reported as electrode material for supercapacitors. The morphology, structure, and thermostability of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical property of the resulting material was systematically studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge. The results show that the short rod‐like PANI dispersed well in the TCN with three‐dimensional network structure. The as‐prepared composite shows high specific capacitance and good cycling stability. A specific capacitance of 373.5 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1 was achieved, which is much higher than that of pure PANI (324 F g^?1). Meanwhile, the composite retains 61.7% capacity after 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 50 mV s^?1. The enhanced specific capacitance and capacity retention indicates the potential of composite as a promising supercapacitor electrode material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014 , 131, 39971.     

Poly(urethane acrylate)‐based gel polymer films for mechanically stable,transparent, and highly conductive polymer electrolyte applications

Polymer electrolytes are attractive for the applications in conventional electrochemical devices and emerging flexible devices. In this study, we developed a poly(urethane acrylate)‐based gel polymer electrolyte with excellent mechanical stability, optical transparency, and a high ionic conductivity. These polymer electrolytes showed excellent dimensional stability and an elastomer‐like behavior with a Shore A hardness in the range of 20–40. The optical transmittance values of these polymers films were over 80% in the visible range. Their ionic conductivities were controlled via changes in the concentration of the linker, dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), and the lithium salt incorporated into the polymer. The maximum ionic conductivity reached 3.7 mS/cm at room temperature (～23 °C) when the DMPA/poly(ethylene glycol) molar ratio was 0.25, and the ionic conductivity was found to be proportional to the salt concentration. We believe that these polymer electrolytes will be useful in various electrochemical applications where flexibility, high ionic conductivity, and transparency in the electrolytes are necessary. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45009.     

Flexible polymer thermoelectric device based on PEDOT:PSS and surface treated pyromellitic dianhydride-oxydianiline polyimide substrate

Flexible polymer thermoelectric devices based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and pyromellitic dianhydride-oxydianiline polyimide polyimide (PI) were fabricated and investigated in this work. PI was selected as a substrate for PEDOT:PSS to secure from repeated bending cycles of flexible device. To enhance the interfacial adhesion between PEDOT:PSS and PI, oxygen plasma treatment was used on the surface of PI substrate. The effect of the surface treatment with oxygen plasma on the synthesized PI substrate was significant. The polar component of surface free energy of PI was increased from 2.8 to 31.8 mJ/m². The power factor of PEDOT:PSS on the PI substrate was increased from 25.86 to 43.78 μW m⁻¹ K⁻². Also, as a result of 10 k times of bending test, the electrical performance consistency and the mechanical stability of the fabricated devices were confirmed. This verified fabricated flexible polymer thermoelectric devices based on PEDOT:PSS and PI are suitable for the various applications.     

Reduced graphene oxide–poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite as a supercapacitor

An exhaustive study on a nanocomposite–poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix material as a supercapacitor is presented. The study includes morphological, structural, and electrochemical characterization. Different electrolytes were used, for which both pseudocapacitance (for reduced graphene oxide) and electric double‐layer capacitance (for functionalized graphene) were observed. An optimum nanocomposite weight percentage was found (2%), and the best performance with highest capacitance (30.4 F/g) was seen for the electrolyte including the smallest anions (OH^?), being among the best values for similar systems, that is, a nanocomposite/nonconductive polymer matrix. In addition, a model is presented that explains the underlying electron transport mechanism. The results are promising for the construction of supercapacitors based on novel nanocomposite–poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46685     

Solid‐state single‐ion conducting comb‐like siloxane copolymer electrolyte with improved conductivity and electrochemical window for lithium batteries

Achievement of high conductivity and electrochemical window at ambient temperature for an all‐solid polymer electrolyte used in lithium ion batteries is a challenge. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel solid‐state single‐ion electrolytes based on comb‐like siloxane copolymer with pendant lithium 4‐styrenesulfonyl (perfluorobutylsulfonyl) imide and poly(ethylene glycol). The highly delocalized anionic charges of ? SO₂? N^(–)? C₄F₉ have a weak association with lithium ions, resulting in the increase of mobile lithium ions number. The designed polymer electrolytes possess ultra‐low glass transition temperature in the range from ?73 to ?54 °C due to the special flexible polysiloxane. Promising electrochemical properties have been obtained, including a remarkably high conductivity of 3.7 × 10^?5 S/cm and electrochemical window of 5.2 V (vs. Li⁺/Li) at room temperature. A high lithium ion transference number of 0.80, and good compatibility with anode were also observed. These prominent characteristics endow the polymer electrolyte a potential for the application in high safety lithium ion batteries. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45848.     

Nafion‐115/aromatic poly(etherimide) with isopropylidene groups/imidazole membranes for polymer fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with Pt/C gas diffusion electrodes and graphite single‐serpentine monopolar plates were constructed based on an aromatic poly(etherimide) with isopropylidene groups (PI)/imidazole (Im) and a popular Nafion‐115 matrix. The electrochemical properties of PEMFCs were tested at 25 and 60°C. The maximum power density of 171 mW/cm² and the maximum current density of 484 mA/cm² were detected for Nafion‐115/PI membrane. For both constructed PEMFCs the efficiency at 0.6 V was found about 41%. Immersion of Nafion‐115 in PI or PI/Im increased the thermal stability and mechanical properties of membranes. Thermal, mechanical properties and morphology of membranes were characterized by TGA, and AFM techniques including force spectroscopy. Interactions between the components in composite membranes were established by FT‐IR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42436.     

Effects of microstructural functional polyaniline layers on SPEEK/HPW proton exchange membranes

In this study, a method is developed to fabricate sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone)/phosphotungstic acid‐polyaniline (SPEEK/HPW‐PANI) membranes by in situ polymerization of aniline for the purpose of decreasing the weight loss of HPW in the membranes. The synthesis involves the production of a SPEEK/HPW hybrid membrane followed by different layer of PANI coatings on the membrane surface, and subsequent treatment using drying in vacuum procedures. The scanning electronic microscopy images showed that HPW had good compatibility with SPEEK polymers and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed the successfully doping with HPW and polymerization of PANI. The surface of SPEEK/HPW‐PANI becomes more compact than that of SPEEK/HPW and pure SPEEK, which may lead to reduce the water uptake and swelling property. The proton conductivity was found for the SPEEK/HPW‐PANI‐5 composite membrane (91.53 mS/cm at 80°C) higher than that of pure SPEEK membrane (68.72 mS/cm at 80°C). Better thermal stability was determined in both SPEEK/HPW and SPEEK/HPW‐PANI membranes than pristine SPEEK membrane. Therefore, PANI is a good potential coating for organic–inorganic hybrid e.g. SPEEK/HPW membrane materials to improve their hydrothermal stable properties and SPEEK/HPW PANI is a material that shows promise as a proton exchange membranes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41033.