Evolution of electrochemical properties of polyaniline doped by graphene oxide

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that Pani composites doping with GO are a suitable way to obtain an alternative catalytic support material for electrodes. As a result of polyaniline (Pani) support electrode with a large surface area, we observed the improvement in its electrochemical capacitance and reduction in the band gap of the material. The Pani electrodes were doped with graphene oxide (Pani/GO) and obtained by an interfacial polymerization method that has two different morphologies: nano- granular-PaniNP and fiber-PaniNF. We studied both different morphologies and the correlation between their structures and electrochemical properties. The prepared composite Pani/graphene’s were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and BET, X-ray diffraction analysis and electrochemical measurements through cyclic voltammetry. Depending on the content of graphene oxide (1 wt% GO) that exhibits smaller band gap (2.82 eV), a larger specific surface area (88 m2/g) and a higher electrochemical capacitance. Furthermore, PaniNF/GO composite with 6 wt% GO concentration shows a smaller pore size, a smaller specific surface area and a higher electrochemical capacitance. The results suggest that Pani composites doping with GO are a suitable way to obtain an alternative catalytic support material for electrodes.