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

Hierarchical [email protected] framework @polyaniline ([email protected]@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 [email protected]@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 [email protected]@PANI with 13 CV cycles of PANI deposition demonstrates the maximum specific capacitance of 340.7 F 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.