Electrochemical Properties of Multi‐Morphology Polypyrrole Electrode Materials Depended on Template Agents

Abstract

AbstractWith different template agents (blank, macromolecule polyvinyl alcohol PVA and micromolecule cetyltrimethylammonium bromide CTAB), nanoparticle‐like polypyrrole (PPyNP), nanosphere‐like polypyrrole (PPyNS) and nanowire‐like polypyrrole (PPyNW) were synthesized respectively by in‐situ polymerization. Interestingly, the diameter of PPyNS was about 108–160 nm by adjusting the mass of PVA, while the width range of PPyNW was about 63–87 nm by regulating the mass of CTAB. Also, the electrochemical properties of the as‐obtained PPy with rich morphologies were investigated in aqueous electrolytes of different ionic and pH. The results show the electrochemical behaviors largely depend on the morphology of PPy, ionic and pH of the electrolyte. The specific capacitance of PPyNW fabricated with CTAB template delivers a maximum capacitance of 307 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in H2SO4 electrolyte. Thus, the electrochemical behaviors of multi‐morphology PPy in different electrolytes provide a strong reference and good selection for supercapacitor electrode materials.