Performance of nanotube-based electrodes from temperature-controlled electrophoretic deposition

Single-walled carbon nanotube-coated electrodes were fabricated from functionalized nanotube aqueous suspensions by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method for a potential large-scale production of nanostructured electrical components. The dependences of nanotube coatings and their electrochemical properties on the processing temperature of EPD were investigated. Optical and scanning electron microscope images were used to examine the microstructure, surface roughness, and thickness of the nanotube-based electrodes. The BET-specific surface area and the average pore size were analyzed. The prepared electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and their specific capacitances were measured. Correlations between the processing temperature and the electrode capacitance, nanotube loading, specific surface area, and average pore size were experimentally characterized.