Nitroxide radical polymer/carbon-nanotube-array electrodes with improved C-rate performance in organic radical batteries

Abstract

A poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxy-4-yl methacrylate)/carbon-nanotube-array (PTMA/CNT-array) electrode was used as a cathode to improve the high-rate charge/discharge performance in organic radical batteries. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the PTMA/CNT-array electrode provides continuous conduction paths for electrons, and its electrochemical behaviours were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge tests, and AC impedance measurements. The results indicated that the PTMA/CNT-array electrode exhibits a lower electron-transfer resistance between CNTs and either the current collector or CNTs compared with conventional PTMA/suspended-CNT composite electrodes, enhancing the C-rate performance of batteries.