Preparation and electrochemical capacitance performances of super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline

Super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline was prepared by surface modification of polyaniline using tetraethyl orthosilicate in water/ethanol solution, whereas its conductivity was 4.16 S cm(-1) at 25 degrees C. And its electrochemical capacitance performances as an electrode material were evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge test in 0.1 M H(2)SO(4) aqueous solution. Its initial specific capacitance was 500 F g(-1) at a constant current density of 1.5 A g(-1), and the capacitance still reached about 400 F g(-1) after 5000 consecutive cycles. Moreover, its capacitance retention ratio was circa 70% with the growth of current densities from 1.5 to 20 A g(-1), indicating excellent rate capability. It would be a promising electrode material for aqueous redox supercapacitors. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.