Sustainable Energy Storage Systems: Polypyrrole-Filled Polyimide-Modified Carbon Nanotube Sheets with Remarkable Energy Density

Andekuba Andezai and Jude O. Iroh ()
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Andekuba Andezai: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072, USA
Jude O. Iroh: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Organic hybrid materials are gaining traction as electrode candidates for energy storage due to their structural tunability and environmental compatibility. This study investigates polyimide/carbon nanotube/polypyrrole (PI/CNTs/PPy) hybrid nanocomposites, focusing on the correlation between thermal imidization temperature, polypyrrole deposition time, and the resulting electrochemical properties. By modulating PI processing temperatures (90 °C, 180 °C, 250 °C) and PPy deposition durations (60–700 s), this research uncovers critical structure–function relationships governing charge storage behavior. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveal that low-temperature imidization preserves porosity and enables ion-accessible pathways, while moderate PPy deposition enhances electrical conductivity without blocking pore networks. The optimized composite, processed at 90 °C with 60 s PPy deposition, demonstrates superior specific capacitance (850 F/g), high redox contribution (~70% of total charge), low charge transfer resistance, and enhanced energy/power density. In contrast, high-temperature processing and prolonged PPy deposition result in structural densification, increased resistance, and diminished performance. These findings highlight a synergistic design approach that leverages partial imidization and controlled doping to balance ionic diffusion, electron transport, and redox activity. The results provide a framework for developing scalable, high-performance, and sustainable electrode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

Keywords: polyimide; polypyrrole; carbon nanotubes; energy storage; supercapacitors; lithium-ion batteries; electrochemical performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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