Developing High-Performance Composite Electrodes of PANI/PEDOT:PSS/Metal Oxides for Supercapacitors Applications

Abstract Conducting polymers (CPs) have attracted considerable interest in the field of supercapacitors due to their excellent electrical conductivity, stability, high pseudocapacitance, environmental compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Traditional electrode materials include metal oxides, inorganic compounds, carbon-based substances, and conducting polymers. Recent studies indicate that hybridizing CPs with metal oxides can significantly improve electrochemical performance. In this study, polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) were combined with metal oxides (TiO2 and ZnO) via a one-step polymerization process. The resulting composite was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical evaluations were carried out via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The incorporation of metal oxides into the polymer matrix enhanced electrical conductivity and electrochemical behavior, yielding a specific capacitance of 431.51 F/g and a reduced equivalent series resistance of 3.29 Ω. These improvements are likely due to the porous architecture that promotes efficient charge transport and ion diffusion. Theoretical assessment using Dunn’s model indicated a diffusion-controlled charge storage mechanism. The results demonstrate notable enhancements in the structural, optical, morphological, and electrochemical characteristics of the electrode, positioning it as a highly promising material for supercapacitor applications.