Synthesis of rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposites,electrochemical performances of supercapacitors

ABSTRACT

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was chemically reacted with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to form reduced graphene oxide (rGO). rGO, Montmorillonite nanoclay, and polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) were used to form a ternary nanocomposite via chemical reaction. These nanocomposite qualities were described via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated transmission reflectance (FTIR-ATR). In addition, these materials were used in supercapacitor device as an active material to test electrochemical performances via cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite shows significantly improved specific capacitance (C_sp = 168.64 Fg^?1) compared to that of rGO (C_sp = 63.26 Fg^?1) at the scan rate of 10 mVs^?1 by CV method. The enhanced capacitance results in high power density (P = 5522.6 Wkg^?1) and energy density (E = 28.84 Whkg^?1) capabilities of the rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite material. The addition of nanoclay and PVK increased the specific capacitance of rGO material due to a dopant effect for supercapacitor studies. Ragone plots were drawn to observe energy and power density of supercapacitor devices. The C_sp of rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite has only 86.4% of initial capacitance for charge/discharge performances obtained by CV method for 5000 cycles.     

Facile synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/CeO2 nanocomposites and their application in supercapacitors

The combination of the attractive properties of graphene with excellent characteristics of other functional nanomaterials has become a popular pathway for achieving applications in multiple fields. Herein, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/CeO₂ nanocomposites with enhanced capacitive performance were designed and synthesized by a facile two-step approach with a self-assembly method followed by thermal treatment. The structure, morphology and composition of the resulting RGO/CeO₂ nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The presence of RGO can prevent the aggregation and control the structures of the CeO₂ nanocrystals in the annealing process. The nanocomposites as electrode materials for supercapacitor exhibited an enhanced capacitive performance due to the synergic effect between RGO nanosheets and CeO₂ nanocrystals. The excellent capacitive performance of the RGO/CeO₂ nanocomposites offer great promise for supercapacitor applications.     

UV-assisted sonochemical synthesis and optoelectrical properties of Bi2S3/rGO nanocomposites

In the present study, a simple UV-assisted sonication method is used for the development of bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) nanostructures on graphene sheets. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman results indicated that graphene oxide (GO) layers are reduced. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images also indicated that Bi₂S₃ particles without rGO sheets are agglomerated. In comparison, when adding these sheets, the particles are uniformly spread (decorated) and their size is reduced significantly due to the incorporation of rGO sheets. UV–Vis studies reveal that the band gap in Bi₂S₃/rGO nanocomposites compared with Bi₂S₃ has a shift toward shorter wavelengths, suggesting some changes in the electronic band structure of Bi₂S₃ due to the existence of rGO sheets. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicated emission bands in infrared and visible regions resulting from the band edge emission and crystal defects in the samples, respectively. The electrical investigations showed reduced recombination of photogenerated carriers in the nanocomposites. Moreover, the results indicated that the concentration of rGO is an important factor in determining the optoelectrical behavior of these devices.     

The production of rGO/ RuO2 aerogel supercapacitor and analysis of its electrochemical performances

In this study, ruthenium was bonded to the reduced graphene oxide in an ultrasonic bath. The aerogel of the mixture was produced at −78 °C. Structural characterization of aerogels was done with XRD and FTIR, surface characterization was performed with STEM, and elemental analysis was conducted by EDX analysis. The produced aerogel composites were transformed into electrodes on conductive Nickel foam. IviumStat, a potentiostat/galvanostat device, was used for the electrochemical characterization of the symmetrical supercapacitors. According to CV voltammograms, rGO/RuO₂ aerogels' highest specific capacitance was calculated as 328.6 F g⁻¹ at a potential scan rate of 5 mV s⁻¹. The assembled rGO/RuO₂ aerogel-based supercapacitor cell offered a high energy density value of 31.1 W h kg⁻¹ even at the power density of 8.365 kW kg⁻¹; this is comparable to that of lead-acid and nickel-metal hybrid batteries.     

Preparation and anticorrosive properties of PANI/Na-MMT and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polyaniline (PANI) with organophilic montmorillonite (O-MMT) and hydrophilic montmorillonite (Na-MMT) were prepared. The nanocomposites were characterized using FT-IR, D.C. electrical conductivity measurement and cyclic voltammetry techniques. It was found that PANI/Na-MMT nanocomposite has lower (5.8%) and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposite has higher (29.4%) conductivity compared to pure polyaniline. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that both nanocomposites are electroactive. The anticorrosive properties of a 100 μm thickness coating of nanocomposites on iron coupons were evaluated and compared with pure polyaniline coating. According to the results PANI/MMT nanocomposites have enhanced corrosion protection effect in comparison to pure polyaniline coating. Results showed also that the PANI/Na-MMT and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposites have considerably different corrosion protection efficiencies in various corrosive environments.     

Polyurethane acrylate-supported rGO/TiO2 electrical conductive and antibacterial nanocomposites

Polyurethane acrylate (PUA)-supported rGO/TiO₂ electrical conductive and antibacterial nanocomposites were synthesized via in-situ polymerization. The well-dispersed rGO/TiO₂ can serve as photoinitiator and give PUA material antibacterial property at the same time. The excellent UV-curing and antibacterial activity could be explained that the synergistic effect of rGO and TiO₂, which could promote the effective electron/hole separation and thus generate various reactive species. After dopped the rGO/TiO₂ into the PUA matrix, the PUA film became electric conductive. The obtained nanocomposites will have promising applications in high performance antibacterial coatings.     

Magnetic and optical properties of Nd/TiO2- rGO nanocomposites

Graphene, the thinnest 2-dimensional atomic material, is successively used as a composite material has it significantly improves optical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Neodymium being a strong paramagnetic substance is capable of storing large amount of magnetic energy because of their greater number of unpaired electrons in their electron orbital structure. This paper focuses on the influence of graphene on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of rare earth neodymium (Nd) doped TiO₂ nanoparticles. Nd doped TiO₂ nanoparticles are deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets forming the nanocomposites by hydrothermal treatment. The nano size, structure and phase of the composites are analysed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Dispersion of pure TiO₂ and Nd/TiO₂ nanoparticles on the rGO sheets is studied with FESEM and HRTEM micrographs alongside the elemental composition confirmed by EDAX. Increased surface area and pore size analysis is revealed by BET isotherms and BJH data. Absorption edges are blue shifted owing to particle size and experimental conditions. PL and EPR spectra confirm the presence of paramagnetic defect centres in the nanocomposites. The M − H hysteresis curves of the composites reveal the ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature.     

rGO/CuO/PEDOT nanocomposite formation,its characterisation and electrochemical performances for supercapacitors

ABSTRACT

Supercapacitor properties of rGO, CuO, PEDOT and rGO/CuO at [rGO]_o/[CuO]_o?=?1:1; 1:1.5; 1:2 and rGO/CuO/PEDOT nanocomposite at [rGO]_o/[CuO]_o/[EDOT]_o?=?1:1:1; 1:1:3; 1:1:5 were investigated using chemical reduction of GO and in-situ polymerisation process. SEM-EDX, HRTEM, BET surface area analysis confirm the nanocomposite formations. Nanocomposite materials are also analysed through FTIR-ATR, Raman, TGA-DTA, GCD, CV and EIS. The highest specific capacitance of C _sp?=?156.7 F/g at 2?mV/s is determined as rGO/CuO/PEDOT at [rGO]_o/[CuO]_o/[EDOT]_o?=?1:1:5. In addition, two-electrode supercapacitor device for rGO/CuO/PEDOT at [rGO]_o/[CuO]_o/[EDOT]_o?=?1:1:5 are found to provide a maximum specific energy (E?=?14.15 Wh/kg at 20?mA) and specific power (P?=?24730 W/kg at 50?mA), electrical serial resistance (ESR?=?13.33 Ω) with good capacity retention after 3000 cycles. An equivalent circuit model of LR1(CR2)(QR3) is proposed to interpret the EIS data. The supercapacitor performance of the rGO/CuO/PEDOT nanocomposite electrode indicates the synergistic effect of hybrid supercapacitors.     

Fabrication of ZrO2/rGO nanocomposites by flash sintering under AC electric fields

Ceramic matrix nanocomposites containing graphene possess superior mechanical properties. However, these nanocomposites are very difficult to be prepared using the conventional methods due to severe grain growth and simultaneous degradation of the graphene at high sintering temperatures and long dwell time. Herein, the dense ZrO₂/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated by flash sintering of the green compacts consisting of ZrO₂ nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) at 893–951℃ in merely 5 seconds under the alternating current (AC) electric fields of 130–150 V cm⁻¹. The GO can be in situ thermal reduced during the flash sintering. The as-prepared ZrO₂/rGO nanocomposites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. This study presents a green and simple approach to fabricate the dense ceramic matrix nanocomposites reinforced with graphene at low temperatures in a short time.     

Electrochemical performance of polydopamine modified PANI/rGO composites: Dependency on preparation sequence

Compounding polyaniline (PANI) and reduced graphite oxide (rGO) is a fascinating cost-effective way to combine the high energy density of faradic material and high power density of carbonaceous material. In this study, in-situ polymerization of dopamine was used to reduce graphite oxide and to modify the rGO product with polydopamine (PDA) simultaneously. This modification prevented restacking of rGO, and enhanced the interactions between PANI and rGO. The partial reduction of GO during the polymerization of dopamine was proven by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Surprisingly, the electrochemical performance of the composites depends strongly on the preparation sequence. PANI/(rGO-PDA) composites obtained by the synthesis of PANI in the presence of rGO-PDA show better electrochemical performance than (PANI/rGO)-PDA composites, which were produced by polymerizing dopamine in the presence of PANI/GO composite. At a given scan rate of 20 mV s⁻¹, the highest specific capacity of PANI/(rGO-PDA) composites was 230.7 F g⁻¹, which was higher than those of all (PANI/rGO)-PDA composites. This phenomenon is tightly related to the differences in morphologies, conductivities and specific surface areas of the two types of composites.     

Synthesis and characterization of PANI nanostructures for supercapacitors and photoluminescence

Polyaniline structures were synthesized through a chemical method using citric acid and oxalic acid as carriers and 5???m size ??-alumina particles as a template. The obtained nano-size pristine products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Nanofibrous PANI was obtained with oxalic acid, nanoparticles with oxalic acid and ??-alumina, net-like nanostructures with citric acid and spherical nanoparticles with citric acid and ??-alumina. The high intensity photoluminescence of PANI prepared with oxalic acid as a carrier is possibly due to greater chances of exciton formation resulting from increased ??-electron mobility. Electrochemical studies of PANI electrodes in 2.0?M H₂SO₄ were carried out at various scan rates. The CVs showed rectangular shape with added pronounced oxidation and reduction peaks.     

The structure and electro‐mechanical properties of novel hybrid CNT/PANI nanocomposites

Electrically conductive elastomeric nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polyaniline (PANI) are reported in the present investigation. The synthesis procedure included an in situ inverse emulsion polymerization of aniline doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) in the presence of CNT and dissolved styrene‐isoprene‐styrene (SIS) block copolymer. The PANI synthesis step was carried out by applying ultrasonic energy. The dispersions obtained were processed by two methods: a recently developed precipitation‐filtration procedure, and a conventional drop‐cast procedure. The techniques developed resulted in homogeneous exfoliated PANI coated nanotubes within the elastomeric matrix. The presence of CNT/PANI in the SIS elastomeric matrix affects thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. The formation of continuous three‐dimensional CNT/PANI networks prepared via the precipitation‐filtration method enhances the nanocomposite properties. Contrarily, the intermittent three‐dimensional network prepared by conventional drop‐cast method leads to inferior properties. Nanocomposites produced by both techniques are observed by HRSEM. The two processing techniques result in different structures, which affect the physical properties of the materials produced. A relatively low percolation threshold for both methods was determined. The Young's modulus of the SIS/CNT/PANI significantly increased in the presence of CNT. The precipitation‐filtration technique yields an improved nanocomposite product compared to the drop‐cast route. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:788–794, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

High acetic acid sensing performance of Mg-doped ZnO/rGO nanocomposites

Mg-doped ZnO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were synthesized using a facile and cost-effective sol-gel procedure to detect acetic acid vapor. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) analysis were utilized to characterize morphologies, compositions of the nanocomposites, and optical properties of the synthesized nanostructures. The gas sensing measurements of spin-coated Mg-doped ZnO/rGO thin films were carried out for a temperature range of 150–350?°C at various acetic acid vapor concentrations. It was found that the Mg-doped sample with 20?wt%/v of GO solution concentration exhibited the response/recovery time of 60?s/35?s with the best response of ~?200% for 100?ppm of acetic acid at 250?°C.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Co-doped SnO2/rGO for indoor humidity monitoring

The evaluation of indoor humidity is challenging compared to other environmental parameters such as light intensity, temperature, sound and so forth. The proper selection of sensing materials and structural tuning will lead to high-performance humidity sensors. Herein, the SnO₂/rGO and SnO₂/rGO doped with Co nanocomposite were produced by microwave route. The obtained nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDAX, DTA, TGA, FTIR, Raman, and HRTEM. The successful incorporation of Co onto the rGO/SnO₂ is affirmed by the XRD and supported with matching SEM and TEM outcomes where nanoscale particles exist. FTIR reveals the existence of the CC stretching band at ～1570 cm^?1 indicating graphene network sustaining upon reduction. Micro-pores presence is claimed by the adsorption-desorption isotherm curve. The humidity sensing behavior of both structures was evaluated in a wide range of humidity (11–97% RH). The obtained results confirmed that best working frequency for highest humidity change is 50 Hz. Furthermore, upon doping the SnO₂/rGO composite with Co, sensitivity, the response time and recovery time has improved reaching 52 s and 100 s respectively.     

CoO/rGO composite prepared by a facile direct-flame approach for high-power supercapacitors

In this study, CoO nanoparticles (NPs) measuring approximately 20?nm in size are successfully grown on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers through a facile direct-flame approach. The obtained CoO/rGO nanocomposites are applied as electrode materials and show a high specific capacitance, reaching 1615.0?F?g^?1 at a current of 1?A?g^?1 (737.5?F?g^?1 at 50?A?g^?1), and good cycling stability (88.12% retention after more than 15,000 cycles at 5?A?g^?1), which are outstanding characteristics compared with those of recently reported pseudosupercapacitors. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) produced using CoO/rGO as a positive electrode material and activated graphene (AG) as a negative electrode achieves a high cell voltage of 1.6?V and delivers a maximum energy density of 62.46?Wh?kg^?1 at a power density of 1600?W?kg^?1. The fabrication technique is facile and represents a promising means of obtaining metal oxide/graphene composites for high-performance supercapacitors.     

Polyaniline/single-wall carbon nanotube (PANI/SWCNT) composites for high performance supercapacitors

PANI/SWCNT composites were prepared by electrochemical polymerisation of polyaniline onto SWCNTs and their capacitive performance was evaluated by means of cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge cycling in 1 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. The PANI/SWCNT composites single electrode showed much higher specific capacitance, specific energy and specific power than pure PANI and SWCNTs. The highest specific capacitance, specific power and specific energy values of 485 F/g, 228 W h/kg and 2250 W/kg were observed for 73 wt.% PANI deposited onto SWCNTs. PANI/SWCNT composites also showed long cyclic stability. Based upon the variations in the surface morphologies and specific capacitance of the composite, a mechanism is proposed to explain enhancement in the capacitive characteristics. The PANI/SWCNT composites have demonstrated the potential as excellent electrode materials for application in high performance supercapacitors.     

The synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/clay nanocomposites

The water absorption of montmorillonite was studied using TGA and FTIR, and a removal method through boiling with toluene was investigated. PU/MMT was synthesized and its morphology, thermal dynamic mechanical properties and tensile behaviour were investigated by WAXD, FTIR, DMTA and Instron techniques. We find that, compared with the PU matrix, the intercalated PU/MMT nanocomposite was reinforced and toughened by the addition of nanometer‐size MMT layers. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Easy synthesis of porous graphene nanosheets and their use in supercapacitors

We report the easy synthesis of porous graphene nanosheets (PGNs) using the etching of graphene sheets by MnO₂. An electrode made from PGNs exhibits a specific capacitance of 154 F g^?1 at 500 mV s^?1 in 6 M KOH compared to a value of 67 F g^?1 for graphene nanosheets, and a low capacitance loss of 12% after 5000 cycles. Interestingly, PGN electrode material shows an excellent rate capability due to its open layered and mesopore structures that facilitate the efficient access of electrolytes to the electrode material and shorten the ion diffusion pathway through the porous sheets. This approach offers the potential for cost-effective, environmentally friendly and large-scale production of PGNs.     

MnO2/Cr2O3/PANI nanocomposites prepared by in situ oxidation polymerization method: Optical and electrical behaviors

Metal oxide–polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite with spherical morphologies were prepared in a one-pot oxidation–reduction method via various salts as reactive oxidants. Aniline monomers polymerize as a shell on the surface of one-pot prepared metal oxides, when the aqueous solutions of aniline, a free-radical oxidant, and/or a metallic salt were exposed together. The particle size and morphology of as-prepared narrowly dispersed PANI nanocomposites were revealed by field emission scanning electron microscope images. Fourier transform infrared spectra of nanocomposites indicate that the PANI exists in the emeraldine form. The ultraviolet–visible analysis not only shows PANI is in the emeraldine form, but also indicates modified optical properties of PANI in the composite form. The hypsochromic shift of the n–π* and polaron transitions of PANI reveals the incorporation of PANI by metal oxides. The direct current (dc) electrical conductivity (σ) of as-prepared nanocomposites was measured by a four-probe method in the room temperature. Compared to PANI nanoparticles, the electrical conductivity of the composites increased with the presence of metal oxides in the nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47219.     

Micro-mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites: Sol-gel synthesis,characterization, and enhanced photodegradation of quinoline

Micro-mesoporous TiO₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite powders have been successfully synthesized by the sol-gel process with different TiO₂/SiO₂ molar ratios and were applied in the UV-photodegradation of quinoline (λ = 254 nm). The structural, morphological, and textural characterization of the powders showed a homogeneous distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles within a porous amorphous SiO2 matrix. Due to the micro-mesoporous character of the materials, their textural characteristics were evaluated by the N2 adsorption method, by comparing BET, DR, Langmuir, and DFT theories. Si₆₀Ti₄₀ powders (60%SiO₂/40%TiO₂) presented the highest specific surface area (SSA) obtained from BET (SSA = 363 m²g^-1), DR (SSA = 482 m²g^-1), and Langmuir (SSA = 492 m²g^-1) due to the adequate particle size of TiO₂ and its high dispersion in the porous matrix. A higher degradation of quinoline in the presence of H₂O₂ (66%) was achieved using Si₈₀Ti₂₀ powders (80%SiO₂/20%TiO₂), as compared to pure sol-gel TiO₂ powders, (51%) under the same reaction conditions (1 UVC lamp - 250W, t = 180 min). The better performance of the Si₈₀Ti₂₀ nanocomposite could be attributed to the small TiO₂ anatase crystallite size (<5.7 nm), high dispersion of these crystallites in the SiO₂ matrix, great specific surface area (DR SSA = 342 m² g^?1), and the formation of Ti–O–Si bond, which is associated with new catalytic sites in TiO₂/SiO₂ composite.