Magnetic composite materials for energy storage applications

In this work the development of flexible graphite electrodes suitably modified for their use in the preparation of pseudocapacitors is investigated. The optimal conditions for the electrosynthesis of nanocomposite films consisting of polyanaline (PANI, a conductive polymer)[1] and nanoparticles based on bare and/or functionalized magnetite and gold are studied. In particular, magnetite and Au/magnetite nanoparticles labelled as Au/Fe3O4 and Au/Fe3O4@Yne (Yne = propynylcarbamate)[2,3,4], are used to obtain modified PANI electrodes with improved performance in respect of pristine PANI in terms of charge density, surface area and storage capacity. The electrosynthesis of the polymer and polymer-composites is carried out through cyclic voltammetry, in aqueous solution. The electrodes are characterized by CV, SEM, charge-discharge test (C/D) and impedance test (EIS). Finally, the best performing electrodes are used to assemble a symmetrical supercapacitor.