Remarkable capacitive behavior of a Co3O4–polyindole composite as electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Issue 48 (18th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raj, R. Pavul; Ragupathy, P.; Mohan, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 3:Issue 48(2015)
• Page Start: 24338
• Page End: 24348
• Publication Date: 2015-11-18
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c5ta07046e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : A single step synthesized Co3 O4 –polyindole composite electrode exhibits high specific capacitance, rate performance and cyclability. This enhanced electrochemical supercapacitive behavior is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between Co3 O4 and polyindole. Abstract : In this paper, we demonstrate a single step synthesis of cobalt oxide – conducting polyindole (Co3 O4 –Pind) composites by in-situ cathodic electrodeposition. The structural and morphological changes of the as-prepared Co3 O4 –Pind composites have been investigated using various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Very interestingly, polyindole decoration over Co3 O4 results in concomitant change in morphology leading to substantial improvement in the supercapacitor behavior. The electrochemical performance of Co3 O4 –Pind has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling and impedance analysis. The specific capacitance (SC) of Pind decorated Co3 O4 is found to be 1805 F g −1 at a current density of 2 A g −1 with excellent rate capability (SC: 1625 F g −1 at a high current density of 25 A g −1 ) and cycling stability. This remarkable supercapacitive performance of the Co3 O4 –Pind composite is mainly attributed to the synergism that evolved between Co3 O4 and Pind. More importantly, these electrodes are free from binders and conductive carbon which have significant impact over the gravimetric energy density of the devices.