Synthesis of polyaniline/SnO2 nanocomposite and its improved electrochemical performance

SnO2 was prepared by the hydrothermal route. Aniline monomer was polymerized in the suspension of SnO2 to form inorganic-organic nanocomposite materials, in which SnO2 particles were embedded within polyaniline (PANE). Morphological and structural characterizations of the prepared samples were carried out using scanning electron microscope; transmission electron microscope; power X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their electrochemical properties were also investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as-prepared nanocomposites had excellent properties in the capacitance, and its specific capacitance was up to 501 F g(-1) with a specific energy density of 66.8 W h kg(-1), at a power density of 960.6 W kg(-1). The device fulfilled the requirement of long durability necessary for an energy storage system, since after 2000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, retention of 85.8% in capacitance was observed. These results indicated that the PANI/SnO2 had a synergistic effect of the complementary properties of both components. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.