In Situ Sonochemical Polymerization of P(AQ-Py)-GO-Fe3O4 Ternary Nanocomposite: A Reinforced Cycling and Thermal Stability for Advanced Energy Storage

Abstract

A ternary nanocomposite, poly (anthraquinone-co-pyrrole)-graphene oxide-Fe₃O₄ [P (AQ-Py)-GO-Fe₃O₄], was synthesized via an in situ sonochemical polymerization method. The synthesised composites were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and TGA/DSC techniques. Incorporation of GO and Fe₃O₄ within the P(AQ-Py) matrix was confirmed by strong π–π stacking interactions, partial exfoliation of GO sheets, and coordination interactions with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The ternary nanocomposite exhibited a zeta potential -34.6 mV, indicating sufficient colloidal stability for maintaining a well-dispersed suspension. Electrochemical evaluation of the P(AQ-Py)-GO-Fe₃O₄ electrode delivered a specific capacitance of 67.97 F g⁻¹, retains approximately 90.60% of its initial capacitance after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. Charge storage kinetics analysis demonstrated a transition from predominantly diffusion-controlled (79%) at 10 mV s⁻¹ to a balanced contribution of diffusion- controlled (55%) and capacitive (45%) processes at 100 mV s⁻¹, highlighting enhanced surface redox reactions. The ternary nanocomposite, exhibited enhanced thermal stability, retaining approximately 70 wt.% of its mass at 300°C and ∼35 wt.% at 800°C, indicating the formation of structurally robust hybrid architecturewith potential to support the long-term durability and reliability of energy-storage electrodes.