Preparation of Core–Shell CQD@PANI Nanoparticles and Their Electrochemical Properties

Abstract

In recent years, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been extensively investigated in many fields because of their incomparable and unique properties. However, the application of CQDs in the electrochemical field meets a big challenge due to their low specific capacitance. It is very important to improve the electrochemical performance of CQDs. In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to synthesize CQD@PANI nanoparticles. The CQD@PANI nanoparticles were prepared via a precise quantitative adsorption polymerization method. TEM results showed that the PANI shell thickness could be adjusted by controlling the additive amount of aniline. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge results showed that the electrochemical properties of CQDs have been significantly improved by coating PANI.