Composite MWCNT/carbon xerogel-nafion electrode for energy storage

In this paper, we report the preparation and characterization (morphological, structural, surface, and electrochemical) of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/carbon xerogel (CX) electrodes prepared by mixing. This research proposes the hypothesis that the use of a hydrophilic binder (nafion) and the use of MWCNTs enhance electrode capacitance and conductivity. Electrochemical measurements in 2 M NaCl solution were performed. The advantage of adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes to the array of xerogel-nafion was studied through different electrochemical methods. It was validated that the greater carbon nanotube mesoporosity allows less compaction of the electrode, thus effectively increasing the specific area and therefore capacitance. Furthermore, we observed the increase in electronic conductivity reported in numerous studies, a fact that is true for iR drop measurement cycles in both galvanostatic charging and discharging. The carbon composite proved to be viable for energy storage.