Nitrogen and Phosphorous Co-Doped Graphene Monolith for Supercapacitors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Heteroatom co-doping enhances energy storage in graphene-based materials due to synergistic effects.
• Graphene derivatives are crucial for advanced energy storage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped graphene (N/P-G) monoliths using a facile hydrothermal method with a single precursor.
• To investigate the electrochemical performance of N/P-G monoliths as supercapacitor electrodes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single precursor, melamine phosphate, for synthesizing N/P-G monoliths.
• Employed a facile hydrothermal method to create the doped graphene structures.
• Controlled nitrogen (4.27-6.58 at%) and phosphorus (1.03-3.00 at%) content by adjusting precursor ratios.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high specific capacitance of 183 F/g at 0.05 A/g.
• Demonstrated excellent rate capability and cycling stability.
• N/P-G electrodes showed stability at 1.6 V in 1 M H2SO4, delivering an energy density of 11.33 Wh/kg.

Conclusions:

• N/P-G monoliths synthesized from melamine phosphate exhibit promising electrochemical performance for supercapacitors.
• The controlled co-doping strategy offers a viable route to enhance energy storage capabilities of graphene materials.
• These findings highlight the potential of N/P-G for high-performance energy storage devices.