Fabrication of a low-cost efficient novel Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase / Polyvinyl alcohol / Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) polymer nanocomposite film for symmetric supercapacitor

ABSTRACT

This work reports a systematic study of the electrochemical performance of the Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase/PVA-PEDOT: PSS + DMSO polymer nanocomposite (PPM) films fabricated by the facile solution cast technique. A varying weight percentage of Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase nanoparticles were dispersed in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-[poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) + dimethyl sulfoxide)] (PEDOT: PSS + DMSO) polymer blend to fabricate the polymer nanocomposite films. The structural, morphological, optical, thermal, electrical, and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite films were studied meticulously. The structural and morphological studies were done by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical properties of the PPM films were analyzed using the UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectra. The thermal analysis of the PPM films was done from the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves. The ac conductivity and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were done to evaluate the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the PPM films. The performance enhancement of the polymer blend film by loading Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase nanofiller was investigated. The nanocomposite film having the highest conductivity and the greatest mechanical strength was further considered for the electrochemical characterization. The nanocomposites reported a specific capacitance of 52.8 F/g and 1500 mF/g in 0.1 M HCl electrolyte at a scan rate of 20 mV/s in the 3-electrode system and 2-electrode system, respectively. The Nyquist plots and Bode plots were plotted from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. The Nyquist plots were analyzed from the simulated equivalent circuits. The facile fabrication method of the supercapacitor electrode with improved thermal and mechanical properties will be beneficial for their commercial electrochemical applications in the future.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Electrochemical properties of PPM nanocomposite films in 3-electrode and 2-electrode systems

KEYWORDS:

• polyvinyl alcohol/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)+Dimethyl sulfoxide
• solution casting
• Ti₃AlC₂ MAX phase

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Subhasree Panda

Subhasree Panda received her M.Sc Degree in Physics from Berhampur University, Berhampur, Odisha in 2020. She is currently doing her Ph. D. in the Functional Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposite Laboratory, Department of Physics, VIT-AP University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her current research is focused on advanced 2D nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications. She has published 3 research papers and 1 book chapter in her Ph.D tenure

S. K. Khadheer Pasha

Dr. S. K. Khadheer Pasha obtained his M.Sc. degree in Physics from Osmania University, followed by an MPhil degree from Anna University, and Ph.D degree in Physics from the Department of Physics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore-632014, TN, India. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, at VIT-AP University. He has about twelve years of teaching and 16 years of research experience. His research focuses on the synthesis of nanocomposite materials for various applications such as energy storage, gas sensors, EMI shielding etc., Currently, he is guiding 6 Ph.D. students working on different research topics. He has over 85 research publications in peer-reviewed international journals and 14 book chapters to his credit. Besides, he has co-edited three books on the topics “MXene and their Composites : Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications” for Elsevier, one book on the topic “Functionalized Nanofibers: Synthesis and Industrial Applications” for Elsevier and Nanotechnology Based Additive Manufacturing: Product Design, Properties and Applications” which will be published by Wiley publications. Currently he is editing a book entitled “Gold Nanoparticles, Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites: Science, Technology and Applications for Elsevier.