Graphene/polyaniline nanotube (GPNT) composite was synthesized using Vitamin C as both
the template of polyaniline nanotube via in situ polymerization of aniline and the reducing
agent of graphene oxide. The pure polyaniline (PANI), graphene/PANI composite (GP) (using
hydrazine monohydrate instead of VC) and GO/PANI composite were also prepared. IR
spectroscopy and morphologies of the as-prepared samples were characterized. And the
electrochemical performances were conducted on a three-electrode cell. IR spectroscopy
demonstrated the interaction between graphene and PANI nanotube in GPNT, which is
beneficial to enhance the electrochemical performance of the composite electrode. Surface
morphology showed PANI nanotube with outer diameter of 140 nm in GPNT. GPNT
composites exhibited better electrochemical performances than GP composite and pure
PANI. The electrochemical performances showed that the specific capacitance of GPNT was
561 F/g which is more than that of either GP or PANI, it is not only due to the graphene which
can provide good electrical conductivity and high specific surface area, but also associated
with a good redox activity of ordered PANI nanotubes. The as-prepared GPNT composites
with higher conductivity, lower resistance and better cycle life in our laboratory are
promising electrode materials for high-performance electrical energy storage devices.