Polyaniline/SnO2 nanocomposite for supercapacitor applications

Nanostructured SnO2 was prepared by the sol–gel method. Aniline monomer was polymerized in the suspension of nanocrystalline SnO2 to form inorganic–organic composite materials, in which SnO2 nanoparticles were embedded within netlike polyaniline (PANI). Structural and morphological characterizations of SnO2 and PANI/SnO2 were carried out using power X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Their electrochemical properties were also investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as-prepared composites had excellent properties in the capacitance, and its specific capacitance was up to 305.3 F g−1 with a specific energy density of 42.4 Wh kg−1 and a coulombic efficiency of 96%. The results indicated that the PANI/SnO2 had a synergistic effect of the complementary properties of both components.