Synthesis and electrochemical capacitance of binderless nanocomposite electrodes formed by dispersion of carbon nanotubes and carbon aerogels

Novel nanocomposite carbon aerogel (CAG)-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) materials have been synthesized and studied in 5 M KOH for electrochemical capacitor applications. The amount of MWNT in the nanocomposite was varied from 3 to 10 wt%. High specific surface areas ranging between 670 and 710 m2 g−1 were obtained as measured by nitrogen gas adsorption method, whereas the average pore diameter ranged between 1 and 4 nm. Adding MWNT to the pristine CAG greatly improved the electrical conductivity as measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Finally, capacitance as high as 218 F g−1 was obtained with a composite containing 3 wt% of MWNTs.