Vapor-Phase Polymerized Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) on a Nickel Nanowire Array Film: Aqueous Symmetrical Pseudocapacitors with Superior Performance

PLoS One. 2016 Nov 18;11(11):e0166529. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166529. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) nanometal scaffolds have gained considerable attention recently because of their promising application in high-performance supercapacitors compared with plain metal foils. Here, a highly oriented nickel (Ni) nanowire array (NNA) film was prepared via a simple magnetic-field-driven aqueous solution deposition process and then used as the electrode scaffold for the vapor-phase polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). Benefiting from the unique 3D open porous structure of the NNA that provided a highly conductive and oriented backbone for facile electron transfer and fast ion diffusion, the as-obtained poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) exhibited an ultra-long cycle life (95.7% retention of specific capacitance after 20 000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 A/g) and superior capacitive performance. Furthermore, two electrodes were fabricated into an aqueous symmetric supercapacitor, which delivered a high energy density (30.38 Wh/kg at 529.49 W/kg) and superior long-term cycle ability (13.8% loss of capacity after 20 000 cycles). Based on these results, the vapor-phase polymerization of EDOT on metal nanowire array current collectors has great potential for use in supercapacitors with enhanced performance.

MeSH terms

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / chemistry*
  • Electric Capacitance*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrodes
  • Nanowires / chemistry*
  • Nickel / chemistry*
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Polymers
  • poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)
  • Nickel

Grants and funding

We are grateful to the National Key Basic Research Program of China (Project No. 2014CB932400), Guangdong Province Science and Technology Department (Project No. 2014B090917002 & 2014A010105002 & 2015A030306010), and Nanshan District “Rising Stars” (Project No. KC2014JSQN0010A).