Poly(3-methyl thiophene)/PVDF composite as an electrode for supercapacitors

Composite electrodes for supercapacitors are prepared via template synthesis by the electrochemical polymerization of 3-methyl thiophene in the heterogeneous void spaces of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) porous films. The large pore size distribution in the template matrix results in some of the poly(3-methyl thiophene) growing in a more ordered fashion than in films synthesized without spatial restriction, and this can lead to improved conductivity and kinetics. In this work, the capacitance properties of a poly(3-methyl thiophene)/PVDF composite were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, ac impedance spectroscopy and charge-discharge tests. The P(3-MeT)/PVDF vertical bar PC/EC/1 mol L-1 LiClO4 vertical bar P(3-MeT)/PVDF type III capacitor had a specific capacitance of 616 F g(-1) and a Coulombic efficiency of 93%. The power density decreased during similar to 300 cycles and then became practically constant at 7.3 kW kg(-1). These results indicate that template synthesis is an useful alternative to enhance the properties of conducting polymers. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.