A project report on

CNT Film/ Fibre as A Supercapacitor and Gas

Sensor

Submitted by:
Shraddha Srivastava
Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur
208002, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
[Link]. Chemistry
Under the guidance of
Dr. Jyoti Prakash
Scientific Officer G
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
CNT Fibre / Film As A Supercapacitor
And Gas Sensor

Shraddha Srivastava
Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208002
Jyoti Prakash
Bhabha Atomic research Centre, Mumbai

Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) films and fibres have emerged as
multifunctional nanostructured materials with promising applications in
both energy storage and chemical sensing. This work explores the dual-
role potential of CNT-based architectures, specifically focusing on their
utilization as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes and sensitive
gas sensors. Due to their high electrical conductivity, large specific
surface area, and structural flexibility, CNT films/fibres exhibit excellent
electrochemical double-layer capacitance (EDLC) behavior, enabling
high power density and long-term cycling stability in supercapacitor
applications. Concurrently, their high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable
surface chemistry confer exceptional sensitivity to gas molecules such
as NH₃, NO₂, and CO, with rapid response and recovery times. We
further highlight recent advancements in fabrication techniques, surface
functionalization strategies, and hybrid material integrations that
enhance the performance of CNT-based devices. The convergence of
energy storage and sensing functionalities in a single material system
paves the way for the development of next-generation self-powered,
flexible, and miniaturized electronic platforms suitable for Internet of
Things (IoT), wearable technologies, and environmental monitoring. This
study underscores the transformative potential of CNT film/fibre
structures in arfuture directions for their practical deployment.

1. INTRODUCTION:
CNT AEROGEL FILMS:
Carbon nanotube (CNT) has been one of the highly researched
materials amongst the carbon allotropes due to its extraordinary strength
(<10 G Pa), elastic modulus (~1 T Pa), electrical conductivity and
thermal conductivity.
CNT aerogel is a self-assembled 3D structure of long CNT S that was first
envisaged by Li et al. using floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition
(FC-CVD) from which CNT fiber were drawn by direct spinning.

Experimental setup for the synthesis of CNT aerogel

CAPACITORS:
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy by accumulating
electric charges on two closely spaced surfaces that are insulated from
each other. The capacitor was originally known as the condenser.
The utility of a capacitor depends on its capacitance.
Types of Capacitor:
I. Ceramic capacitors
II. Film capacitors
III. Power film capacitors
IV. Electrolytic capacitors
BATTERIES:
A battery is an electronic device that is required for storing chemical
energy and transforming it into electrical one.
Types of Batteries:
I. Primary Batteries
II. Secondary Batteries

CAPACITANCE:
An object can store electric charge. It is measured by the change in
charge response to a difference in electric potential, expressed as the
ratio of those quantities.
Two closely related notions of capacitance: Self capacitance, Mutual
capacitance.

SUPERCAPACITORS:
Supercapacitors (also commonly referred to as electrochemical
capacitors), which store electric charges through either static adsorption
(i.e., electric double-layer capacitance) or redox reaction (i.e., pseudo
capacitance) mechanisms, have strong potential to complement or even
replace batteries in many years of applications.
Supercapacitors exhibit unique features of high power density, Fast
charge / discharging rates, long lifespan and safe operation, which can
bring many benefits such as reduced charging time from hours to
minutes, increased renewable electricity reliability, reduction in waste,
and use of environmentally friendly materials.
They are widely used in regenerative braking systems for vehicles and
elevators, computer memory backup, electricity grid stabilisation, electric
buses, and consumer electronics like Samsung’s stylus pen, to name a
few.
SCs were invented in the middle of the 19th century, and they have a
new history. Initial progress in this domain began in the early 1950s
when engineers at General Electric (GE)initiated the design of advanced
capacitive devices. In 1957, Becker developed a prototype
supercapacitor, albeit without an explicit understanding of the electric
double-layer (EDL)mechanism.

Recent innovations have produced hybrid systems such as lithium-ion

capacitors, pioneered by the FDK corporation. These devices combine
electrostatic carbon-based electrodes with electrochemical components
to enhance capacitance and overall device efficiency. Contemporary SC
research now focuses on optimising material properties, improving
electrochemical performance, and reducing production costs to enable
widespread commercial adoption.
They typically comprise two polarised solid electrodes separated by a
porous membrane and immersed in a liquid electrolyte. In electric
double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), energy is stored electrostatically
through the formation of an electric double layer at the electrode-
electrolyte interface, following the Helmholtz model. EDLC electrodes
generally utilize high-surface area carbon materials such as activated
carbon, carbon aerogels, carbon fibre cloth, graphite, graphene, and
carbon nanotubes.

Supercapacitors are being researched extensively in smart electronics

applications such as flexible, biodegradable, transparent, wearable,
flexible, on-chip, and portable energy storage. In comparison with
conventional capacitors, supercapacitors use materials with a high
specific surface area as electrodes. A higher specific surface area and
thinner dielectrics result in greater specific capacitance and energy
density.
During the charge and discharge process, the cyclic voltammetry (CV)
curve of the supercapacitor remains rectangular, whereas the current is
almost constant. A battery exhibits Faradaic reactions during the charge
and discharge process, and its CV curve shows a clear redox peak; it
maintains a constant voltage except when it is near 100%
charged/discharged (TOC/EOD) (the GCD curve shows a relatively flat
charge-discharge platform).
The areas in which supercapacitors can store charge are limited to the
Surfaces (or near the active surface) of the electrodes; they have lower
densities than batteries.
According to the energy density formula 𝐸=1/2CV2 (𝐸 is the energy
density, 𝐶 is the specific capacitance, and 𝑉 is the voltage window), the
energy density of a capacitor depends on the specific capacitance of the
electrode material and the potential difference between the positive and
negative electrodes.

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF SUPERCAPACITORS:
1.1 Structure and Specifications

The fundamental concept of SCs is based on electrostatic capacitors. In this

equation, the permittivity of air (ε0), therelative permittivity of the dielectric
material (εr), the surface area (A), and the distance between two electrodes
(d). The capacitance is adjusted by changing the dielectric material’s surface
area and thickness according to the relationship.
C=ε0×εr×A/d
The basic structure of an SC consists of aluminium current collectors and
electrodes instead of dielectric materials. The operation principle of the SC is
based on the storage of energy by the distribution of the ions near the surface
of the two electrodes. The two interfaces create a space charge zone called the
electrical double layer (EDL). Therefore, an SC is electrostatic, and there is no
electrochemical reaction.

Fig. a) Structure of electrostatic capacitor b) Structure of SC c)

Equivalent circuit model of Sc

The series resistance (Rs) to the capacitor symbolises the equivalent series
resistance (ESR). In contrast, the parallel resistance (Rp) across the capacitor
represents the resistance estimated according to the leakage currents, and the
capacitance (CSC) represents the total capacitance of the SCs. The parameters
mentioned in the catalogue data can be used to calculate the maximum peak
current in a second and the specific maximum power value.
Maximum Peak Current (1 sec) = ½.C.V/ [Link] + 1
Pmax (Specific Power) = V2 / [Link]
SCS are low-voltage components and require safe operation, where the voltage
remains within specified limits. Standard SC S with aqueous electrolytes are
rated within a voltage range of 2.1 to 2.3V, and SC S with organic solvents as
rated from 2.5 to 2.7V. The energy density of SC S is greater than in
conventional capacitors; however, the power density of capacitors is greater
than in SCS.

2.1 Classifications

It is based on their underlying charge storage mechanisms and electrode

material systems. Fundamentally, they can be categorised into three principal
types: Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC S), Pseudo capacitors, and Hybrid
Supercapacitors. Each type exhibits distinct electrochemical behaviour
governed by different energy storage principles-electrostatic, faradaic, or a
combination thereof.
I. ELECTRIC DOUBLE-LAYER CAPACITORS(EDLCS):
EDLCS operate primarily through a non-Faradaic mechanism, wherein energy
storage occurs via the electrostatic separation of charges at the electrode-
electrolyte interface. Upon applying a voltage, ions from the electrolyte adsorb
onto the electrode surface, forming a Helmholtz electric double layer. No
charge transfer occurs across the electrode- electrolyte boundary, ensuring
high reversibility and stability over numerous cycles.
Typical Electrode Materials: Activated carbon, carbon nanotubes (CNTS),
graphene and carbon aerogels.
 Characteristics: High power density, excellent cycle life, and low energy
density.
 Applications: Power backup systems, regenerative braking, and
consumer electronics.
II. Pseudo capacitors:
They store energy via fast and reversible faradaic redox reactions
occurring at or near the surface of the electrode material. These
reactions involve charge transfer between electrode and electrolyte
species, allowing for significantly higher capacitance than EDLCS.
Typical Electrode Materials: Transition metal oxides (e.g., RuO2,
MnO2)
 Characteristics: Higher energy density than EDLCS, moderate life
cycle.
 Applications: Military systems, pulse power applications, and
hybrid electric vehicles.

III. Hybrid Supercapacitors:

They incorporates asymmetric electrode configurations, wherein one

electrode exhibits double- layer capacitance and the other exhibits
pseudocapacitive or battery-like behaviour.
  Sub-types:
 Asymmetric Supercapacitors
 Composite Electrodes
 Lithium-Ion capacitors (LiCS)
 Characteristics:

profiles.
 Applications: Grid energy storage, hybrid electric vehicles,
wearable and flexible electronics.

1.2 WORKING PRINCIPLE:

A supercapacitor works by storing electrical energy. It stores electrical

energy between two electrostatic double layers created by forming thin
charge layers on the interface of the electrolyte-electrode. A capacitor’s
capacitance value is always proportional to its conductive plate’s surface
area. The capacitance value in the case of supercapacitors is very high.
Hence, it stores a high energy value. Also, the capacitance magnitude is
inversely proportional to the distance between plates. This distance is
significantly shorter in supercapacitors, leading to a high capacitance
magnitude.
Supercapacitors have their metal plates covered with porous material or
nanomaterial in the form of typical carbon or activated charcoal. Static
electricity is used in these capacitors to store energy. These capacitors
produce positive and negative charge ions between the two plates in the
electrolyte solution. This is because in the presence of a voltage supply,
one plate develops a positive charge, and the other plate develops a
negative charge.
As a result, the negative ions get attracted to the positively charged
plate. It eventually leads to a thin coating of ions deposited on the inner
surface of the plates.
The deposition of ions on the plated results in the production of an
electrostatic double layer. This layer is similar to the one connecting
capacitors in series. The distance between both these capacitors is very
thin. As a result, each charge possesses high capacitance, and the area
of electrodes is very high.
CV OF SAMPLE M1A
CV OF SAMPLE M1B
GCD OF SAMPLE M1A
GCD OF SAMPLE M1B
CHRONOPOTENTIOMETRY OF SAMPLE F1A

PLOT OF CHRONOPOTENTIOMETRY OF SAMPLE F1A

CV OF SAMPLE F1B
GAS SENSOR: