Page 219 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Polymer-based nanocomposites for energy and environmental applications 191

Vadivel et al. reported that the redox intercalative polymerization (RIP) of PT
derivatives in V 2 O 5 yields a well-ordered hybrid nanocomposite with synergistic
+
properties like improved electric and Li -ion diffusion properties [88–90].
PTs/MnO 2 NCs were fabricated via single-step aqueous/organic interfacial method
and attained a reversible capacity of 720 mAh/g at a high current density of 500 mA/g
[91]. LiV 3 O 8 /PTs NCs were blended via an in situ oxidative polymerization process
and showed capacity retention after 50 cycles at current densities of 300 and 900 mA/g,
respectively [92].
Moreover, to exploit the electric behavior of PTs NCs, nanometer-sized fillers with
conductive path structure and high surface area should be required. Graphene oxide
(GO) can be recognized to be a suitable candidate mainly due to their superior surface
area and exhibit enhanced overall behaviors, which are due to the synergic interactions
that occur between components [93–95].

6.2.4 Polyanilines (PANIs) NCs
PANIs NCs have advantages of easy synthesis, low-cost monomer, good process abil-
ity, electric conductivity, and highest thermal stability. PANIs NCs have been playing
an energetic role in the energy storage and conversion devices besides carbonaceous
materials and metallic compounds and have shown great potential in energy storage
applications. Among the ECPs, PANIs NCs make most consideration since they have
the superior specific capacitance due to multiredox reactions and good electronic con-
ductivity due to protonation [96].
Liming Yang et al. reported a vertical reduced GO and PANIs NCs to support Pd
catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells via a facile one-step electrochemical deposition
process [97].
PANIs/Fe 2 O 3 NCs were created via immediate one-step in situ polymerization and
chemical etching process for battery anode application and showed a discharge capac-
ity of 1208 mAh/g with a 73.5% columbic efficiency [98]. PANIs/MnO 2 NCs were
prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization process and exhibited a high
specific capacitance of 256 F/g [99]. Hierarchical porous graphene/PANIs NCs were
synthesized by chemical polymerization process and showed 385 F/g at a current den-
sity of 0.5 A/g [100].

6.3 Polymer-based nanocomposites for environmental
applications

Eco-friendly polymer-based nanocomposites are considered to becoming a subject of
exhaustive research in determining current environmental engineering and science.
Various kinds of research efforts are persistent to advance the existing behavior of
these PNCs. PNCs, which include usage of nanoparticles and polymers, have gained
considerable interests in academic institutions and industries as discussed earlier.
Various kinds of PNCs have been used commonly in the removal/reduction of con-
taminants from several ecological media like industrial effluents, gases, and soils.