Novel synthesis of 3D Graphene-CNF electrode architectures for supercapacitor applications
Authors
Downs, Jason W.
Subjects
Graphene
Carbon Nanofibers
Supercapacitors
Pseudocapacitors
Carbon Nanofibers
Supercapacitors
Pseudocapacitors
Advisors
Luhrs, Claudia C.
Grbovic, Dragoslav
Date of Issue
2013-06
Date
Jun-13
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This manuscript presents a novel synthetic pathway for the generation of three-dimensional architectures which main structural component includes the combination of Graphene (G) and Carbon Nanofibers (CNF). The Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) approach was used for both, the exfoliation of Graphitic Oxide to produce Graphene, and the simultaneous reduction of a nickel salt to generate Ni catalyst. Carbon Nanofibers were grown from Ni following procedures previously reported. The use of dry and wet conditions for the RES synthesis was explored and the variability of sample properties due to such change analyzed. Resulting composites, Graphene/Carbon Nanofibers/Nickel nanoparticles (G/CNF/Ni) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and BET surface area analysis. Some specimens were oxidized to produce G/CNF/NiO. All the materials were then used as electrodes in supercapacitor cells and the capacitance of the same evaluated. The growth of carbon nanofibers within the Graphene layers prevented the collapse of the layers when the material was laid as a paste in the current collectors and increased both ion and charge transport between the Graphene sheets. When combined with pseudocapacitive effects of NiO, a 350 percent increase in specific capacitance was attained for the G/CNF/NiO material when compared with its individual components.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.