Optical and electrochemical studies of polyaniline/SnO2 fibrous nanocomposites

Graphical abstract: Fiber with porous like structure of PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites were prepared by simplest in situ chemical polymerization method. The PL emission spectra revealed that the band from 404 and 436 nm which is related with oxygen vacancies. The excellent electrochemical properties of composite electrode show the specific capacitance of 173 F/g at a scan rate of 25 m V/s. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Self assembled PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites were synthesized by simple polymerization method. ► Electrochemical behavior of PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites electrode was analyzed by CV. ► Nanocomposites exhibit a higher specific capacitance of 173 F/g, compared with pure SnO{sub 2}. -- Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO{sub 2}) fibrous nanocomposites were successfully prepared by an in situ chemical polymerization method with suitable conditions. The obtained composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL), electrical conductivity and cyclic voltammetry studies (CV). The XRD pattern of the as-prepared sample shows the presence of tetragonal SnO{sub 2} and the crystalline structure of SnO{sub 2} was not affected with the incorporation of PANI. The FTIR analysis confirms the uniform attachment of PANI on the surface of SnO{sub 2} nanostructures. SEM images show amore » fibrous agglomerated structure of PANI/SnO{sub 2}. The PL emission spectra revealed that the band from 404 and 436 nm which is related with oxygen vacancies. The electrochemical behavior of the PANI/SnO{sub 2} composite electrode was evaluated in a H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution using cyclic voltammetry. The composite electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 173 F/g at a scan rate 25 mV/s. Thus the as-prepared PANI/SnO{sub 2} composite shows excellent electrochemical properties, suggesting that this composite is a promising material for supercapacitors.« less