Polypyrrole doped zirconium dioxide composite as electrode material for super-capacitor applications

A PPy-ZrO₂ composite was synthesized using in-situ polymerization, resulting in polypyrrole-doped Zirconium dioxide. This composite was then studied for its electrochemical characteristics as an electrode material in supercapacitors. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the formation of the composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) also confirms platelet structure in the PPy-ZrO₂ composite. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed strong interaction between PPy and ZrO₂ nanoparticles. Synthesized samples are characterized and assessed by impedance, cyclic voltammogram, and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The maximum specific capacitance of 1265 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹ is observed at PPy-ZrO₂ electrodes. The energy density of 28 Wh kg⁻¹ is found at 378 W kg⁻¹ (power density), and the impedance of pure PPy ~ 13 Ω to PPy-ZrO₂ ~ 11 Ω of the composite is decreased, which may represent a beneficial effect of ZrO₂-particles and PPy for the development of an electrode material.