Optimization of Nanocomposite Films Based on Polyimide–MWCNTs towards Energy Storage Applications

In order to obtain polyimide-based composite materials for energy storage applications, four synthetic methods towards a polyimide matrix with 2 wt.% pristine or acid-functionalized MWCNTs have been developed. The polyimide is derived from a nitrile aromatic diamine and a fluorene-containing dianhydride which allowed the formation of flexible free-standing nanocomposite films. The films were thoroughly characterized by means of structural identification, morphology, mechanical, thermal and dielectric behavior, as well as the charge storage performance. The obtained data indicated higher homogeneity of the composites loaded with acid-functionalized MWCNTs that enabled significantly increased dielectric properties compared to the matrix. To assess the electrical charge storage capability, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements were employed in a three-electrode cell configuration. Due to the higher conductivity of pristine MWCNTs compared to acid-functionalized ones, increased capability to store charges was achieved by the nanocomposites containing these fillers, despite their lower homogeneity. An attempt to increase the carbonaceous material content was made by applying a thin carbon layer onto the nanocomposite film surface, which led to higher capacitance.