Publication

Abstract : Polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO2) fibrous nanocomposites were successfully prepared by an in situ chemical polymerization method with suitable conditions. The obtained composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL), electrical conductivity and cyclic voltammetry studies (CV). The XRD pattern of the as-prepared sample shows the presence of tetragonal SnO2 and the crystalline structure of SnO 2 was not affected with the incorporation of PANI. The FTIR analysis confirms the uniform attachment of PANI on the surface of SnO2 nanostructures. SEM images show a fibrous agglomerated structure of PANI/SnO2. The PL emission spectra revealed that the band from 404 and 436 nm which is related with oxygen vacancies. The electrochemical behavior of the PANI/SnO2 composite electrode was evaluated in a H 2SO4 solution using cyclic voltammetry. The composite electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 173 F/g at a scan rate 25 mV/s. Thus the as-prepared PANI/SnO2 composite shows excellent electrochemical properties, suggesting that this composite is a promising material for supercapacitors. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.