Ternary composite of unzipped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (curved graphenes) for next-generation capatteries

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI) and Nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) based hybrid materials have garnered significant interest in energy storage applications because of their exceptional electrical conductivity, redox properties, and structural stability. In this study, a hybrid ternary composite combining UzMWCNT with NiFe₂O₄ and PANI (UzMWCNT/NiFe₂O₄/PANI) is successfully synthesized using a two-step synthesis method involving hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization, as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitor application. The crystalline structure, functional groups, and surface morphology of the synthesized composite materials were analyzed through X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical performance was evaluated utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The interaction between the various components and the unique composition structure yields a specific capacitance of 1022 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, with a capacitance retention of 84 % after 2000 GCD cycles. The synthesized ternary hybrid composite maximizes the accessibility of multiple active sites while reinforcing structural stability, enhancing its energy storage performance. The research unveils the compelling advantages of the UzMWCNT/NiFe₂O₄/PANI ternary composite, positioning it as a cutting-edge candidate for next-generation energy storage devices.