Facile synthesis of polypyrrole nanofiber (PPyNF)/NiOx composites by a microwave method and application in supercapacitors

Abstract

In this study, polypyrrole nanofiber (PPyNF)/NiO_x composites were synthesized by a simple and fast microwave method. The samples were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the synthesized PPyNF/NiO_x nanocomposites were electrochemically characterized using galvanostatic charge–discharge, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. They showed the highest specific capacitance of 657 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, demonstrating their potential application in supercapacitors.