Design and Optimization of Polyaniline/SWCNT Anodes for Improved Lithium-Ion Storage

The integration of polyaniline (PANI) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) offers a promising technique to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. In this work, we report on the synthesis and advanced optimization of PANI/SWCNT composite anodes aimed toward further developing lithium-ion (Li⁺) storage capacity. A proper characterization, including SEM and XRD, revealed the well-defined morphology and synergistic collaboration among PANI and SWCNTs. Electrochemical evaluations showed that the PANI anodes display predominant Li⁺ storage capacities, with a high specific capacity of 528 mA g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1, and the 10 wt% SWCNT-doped PANI (PANI/10 wt% SWCNT) composite demonstrated an exceptional cycling performance of 830 mA g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 and excellent capacity retention (101% after 200 cycles). Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated reduced charge transfer resistance and improved ion diffusion kinetics. These improvements originate from the correlative properties of PANI's redox activity and SWCNT's conductivity, which enable effective Li⁺ transport and intercalation. This work features the capability of PANI/SWCNT composites as superior-performance anode materials for advanced LIBs, tending to key difficulties of energy density and cycling stability. The discoveries establish the importance of additional investigation of polymer-carbon nanocomposites in advanced energy storage systems.