Anchoring polyaniline molecule on 3D carbon nanotube meshwork as self-standing cathodes for advanced rechargeable zinc ion batteries

Abstract Polyaniline (PANI) is considered as an attractive cathode candidate for advanced rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the low reactivity and poor reversibility of its redox processes in neutral electrolytes generally lead to limited capacity and short lifespan. Herein, PANI molecules are strategically anchored onto three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanotube (CNT) meshwork as a self-standing cathode to solve this problem. The as-introduced 3D CNT conductive networks are capable of functioning as the electronic transmission pipelines to accelerate the electron transfer and acting as an electrolyte reservoir to maximum the intimate contact between the PANI and electrolyte, greatly facilitating the redox processes of PANI. The PANI-CNT cathode exhibits a high capacity of 240 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, almost twice as much as the bare PANI (123 mAh g−1). Furthermore, the PANI-CNT electrode also delivers a superior rate capability, maintaining a decent capacity of 129 mAh g−1 with the increase of the current density to 12 A g−1. This work sheds light on the performance optimization strategies of polymer cathodes for next-generation rechargeable zinc batteries.