ZnO@MOF@PANI core-shell nanoarrays on carbon cloth for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

Hierarchical ZnO@metal-organic framework @polyaniline (ZnO@MOF@PANI) core-shell nanorod arrays on carbon cloth has been fabricated by combining electrodeposition and hydrothermal method. Well-ordered ZnO nanorods not only act as a scaffold for growth of MOF/PANI shell but also as Zn source for the formation of MOF. The morphology of ZnO@MOF@PANI composite is greatly influenced by the number of PANI electrodeposition cycles. Their structural and electrochemical properties were characterized with different techniques. The results indicate that the ZnO@MOF@PANI with 13 CV cycles of PANI deposition demonstrates the maximum specific capacitance of 340.7F g(-1) at 1.0 A g(-1), good rate capability with 84.3% capacitance retention from 1.0 to 10 A g(-1) and excellent cycling life of 82.5% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at high current density of 2.0 A g(-1). This optimized core-shell nanoarchitecture endows the composite electrode with short ion diffusion pathway, rapid ion/electron transfer and high utilization of active materials, which thus result in excellent electrochemical performance of the ternary composite. (C) 2018 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.