Hybrid nanocomposites based on block copolymers for application in supercapacitors

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to obtain hybrid nanocomposites based on block copolymers (CB) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for application in supercapacitors. Copolymers of styrene with butadiene will be used, mainly SBS and SEBS whose polystyrene blocks exhibit different morphologies, lamellar for SBS and cylindrical for SEBS, both with nanometer dimensions. The nanocomposites will be obtained by melt extrusion and injection molding. The potential of these structures for use as supercapacitors will be evaluated by electrical conductivity measurements and impedance spectroscopy. The influence of processing variables on their micro/nanostructures and orientation of both, domains of the blocks and the MWCNT, will be studied and compared by small-angle and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS, respectively), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. The processability, the thermo-mechanical and the rheological behavior of these new systems will be characterized and evaluated. The study will provide a correlation between the structure developed in these new systems and the processing conditions in order to obtain the most appropriate arrangements for the production of nanocomposites with higher dielectric constant and permittivity, lower rates of energy loss and better processabilities. In a second step, it is intended to exploit the technique of atom-transfer radical-polymerization (ATRP) and the "self-assembly" of CB in order to create better affinities between MWCNT and block copolymers, which could be even more promising in terms of properties for supercapacitors. This step will be carried out in cooperation and partnership with Cornell University. (AU)