Preparation of PPy-WO3 Nano-composite for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

In this work, polypyrrole (PPy) composites were chemically prepared by a chemical oxidation method. Also, Tungsten Trioxide (WO₃) nanoparticles were prepared and added in certain proportions to PPy. The structure properties were studied for the polypyrole and tungesten trioxide separately before mixing them together. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a hexagonal WO₃ and a triclinic PPy. It was observed that the nano-composite prepared by the addition of WO₃  with 10 and 20% volume ratios to PPy shows a triclinic phase with the presence of hexagons. The molecular structures of PPy, WO₃, and PPy–WO₃ nano composites were depicted by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the scope of 400–4000 cm^-1. The supercapcitors of PPy and PPy-WO₃ were examined by calculating the figure of merit of the electrode (PPy and PPy-WO₃) using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. It was found that the highest value of capacity (266.62 F/g) is obtained at 20% WO₃ ratio.