Supercapacitors Based on Flexible Graphene/Polyaniline Nanofiber Composite Films

TLDR

Composite films of chemically converted graphene and polyaniline nanofibers were fabricated by vacuum filtration of mixed dispersions, producing a layered structure. The resulting film exhibited PANI nanofibers sandwiched between graphene layers, high flexibility, tenfold conductivity (5.5 × 10² S m⁻¹), and delivered 210 F g⁻¹ capacitance at 0.3 A g⁻¹ with excellent electrochemical stability and rate performance.

Abstract

Composite films of chemically converted graphene (CCG) and polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-NFs) were prepared by vacuum filtration the mixed dispersions of both components. The composite film has a layered structure, and PANI-NFs are sandwiched between CCG layers. Furthermore, it is mechanically stable and has a high flexibility; thus, it can be bent into large angles or be shaped into various desired structures. The conductivity of the composite film containing 44% CCG (5.5 × 102 S m−1) is about 10 times that of a PANI-NF film. Supercapacitor devices based on this conductive flexible composite film showed large electrochemical capacitance (210 F g−1) at a discharge rate of 0.3 A g−1. They also exhibited greatly improved electrochemical stability and rate performances.