Physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of redox-responsive polybenzopyrrole as electrode material for faradaic energy storage

Abstract

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◦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 highpower 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.