Electrochemical Properties of the Composites Based on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Nanoparticles of Mixed Cobalt and Nickel Hydroxides

Abstract

A simple and reproducible method of chemical deposition was used to modify carbon nanotubes cobalt and nickel hydroxides. Thus the composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% Co0.5Ni0.5(OH)2(the ratio of hydroxides1:1)were obtained based on the matrix of multiwall carbon nanotubes: non-functionalized (MWCNT) and functionalized (MWCNT-f). The physicochemical properties of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated with a focus on the characteristics that are relevant for use as the electrode materials of supercapacitors. Electrical capacity characteristics (specific electrical capacitance, internal resistance, etc.) of nanocomposites were determined using cyclic voltammetry and impedancemetry. The effect of matrix functionalization and filler content on the electrochemical characteristics of the composites was considered. It is established that the surface of carbon nanotubes allows the accumulation of the charge in the electrical double layer, in particular at high polarization rates. At low rates, the contribution from the pseudo-capacity component increases on the filler nanoparticles, on the surface of channels in nanotubes, and pore surface in hydroxide aggregates. An increase in the specific electrical capacitance of the composites by a factor of 1.5 to the capacitance of MWCNTs was achieved. The schemes of electrode processes in the nanocomposite are proposed, and the nature of redox peaks on voltammetric curves providing the occurrence of the pseudo-capacity component is revealed. Relying on the analysis of impedancemetry results, the equivalent series resistance and the charge transfer resistance are evaluated. An equivalent circuit of the cell with the working composite electrode is proposed, and its major parameters are calculated.