Characteristics of the electrolyte containing ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate in zinc-polyaniline battery

• Published in: International journal of electrochemical science Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 1898 - 1906
• Main Authors: Li, Yongli, Hu, Zhuan, Ding, Yamei, Kan, Jinqing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2016
• Subjects: dimethyl carbonate; ethylene carbonate; organic electrolyte; polyaniline; zinc; dimethyl carbonate; polyaniline; ethylene carbonate; zinc; organic electrolyte
• ISSN: 1452-3981; 1452-3981
• DOI: 10.1016/S1452-3981(23)16069-X

Conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PANI) as active material of batteries possesses good electrochemical reversibility. It is a promising application for a rechargeable battery with an excellent performance. However, the instability of the structure resulting from repeated volumetric swelling and shrinking during the charge/discharge process, which has been a major shortcoming for their practical applications. This research proves a simple and general method to greatly enhance the cycling stability of PANI electrodes by developing a new electrolyte containing ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Cyclic voltammetry revealed that polyaniline shows two pairs of redox peak in the organic electrolyte with pH 4.0. And redox peak current of polyaniline has not reduced with the increasing of cycle numbers. Electrochemical impedance spectra discovered the charge transfer resistance of polyaniline is smaller in the EC/DMC electrolyte than in aqueous electrolyte. Importantly, the discharge time of the 10th cycle has prolonged rather than reduced compared with that of the second cycle. The Ecorr of Zn electrode in the organic electrolyte is more positive. The study provides an academic foundation and application prospect for the development of PANI secondary battery.