Physical, Chemical, and Electrochemical Properties of Redox-Responsive Polybenzopyrrole as Electrode Material for Faradaic Energy Storage

Polybenzopyrrole (Pbp) is an emerging candidate for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. There is a need to develop synthesis strategies for this class of polymers that can help improve its overall properties and make it as suitable for energy storage applications as other well-studied polymers in this substance class, such as polyaniline and polypyrrole. In this study, by synthesizing Pbp in surfactant-supported acidic medium, we were able to show that the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Pbp-based electrodes are strongly influenced by the respective polymerization conditions. Through appropriate optimization of various reaction parameters, a significant enhancement of the thermal stability (up to 549.9 degrees C) and the electrochemical properties could be achieved. A maximum specific capacitance of 166.0 +/- 2.0 F g(-1) with an excellent cycle stability of 87% after 5000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1) was achieved. In addition, a particularly high-power density of 2.75 kW kg(-1) was obtained for this polybenzopyrrole, having a gravimetric energy density of 17 Wh kg(-1). The results show that polybenzopyrroles are suitable candidates to compete with other conducting polymers as electrode materials for next-generation Faradaic supercapacitors. In addition, the results of the current study can also be easily applied to other systems and used for adaptations or new syntheses of advanced hybrid/composite Pbp-based electrode materials.

Automated summary

Polybenzopyrrole synthesized in surfactant-supported acidic medium showed significantly enhanced thermal stability and electrochemical properties, with a maximum specific capacitance of 166.0 +/- 2.0 F g(-1) and excellent cycle stability of 87% after 5000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The results suggest that polybenzopyrroles are competitive electrode materials for next-generation Faradaic supercapacitors, with high-power density and energy density. The findings of this study can also be easily applied to other systems for the synthesis of advanced hybrid/composite Pbp-based electrode materials.