High Performance of PPy/C-HCPs Composite Electrodes for Removing Low-Concentration Cu2+ Prepared by Electrospinning and Electropolymerization Costep Method

Abstract

Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology holds immense promise for the effective removal of copper ions from solution medium. However, the widespread application of CDI is hindered by limitations arising from the electrode formation process, which impacts the electrode’s mass transfer and adsorption performance. In pursuit of refining the electrode formation process, this study employs a one-step simultaneous electrospinning and electropolymerization method to fabricate PPy/C-HCPs composite electrodes. The results indicate that the fabricated PPy/C-HCPs composite electrode possesses a high specific surface area of 458.98 m²/g, which is 1.83 times that of the electrode prepared using the traditional electrodeposition method (251.26 m²/g). Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu²⁺ reaches 82.83 mg/g, marking a 2.19-fold enhancement compared to electrodes prepared through the same electrodeposition process (37.81 mg/g). Moreover, even after 1000 repetitive scans, the electrode exhibits exceptional cyclic stability, with only a marginal 1.42% decrease in specific capacitance. This study introduces a streamlined process for the preparation of high-performance electrode materials, providing a foundation for the shaping applications of polypyrrole composite electrode. Additionally, it presents a distinctive approach for the preparation of electrodes for CDI and supercapacitors, offering a unique perspective in the field.