Enhanced electrochemical performance of flexible and eco-friendly starch/graphene oxide nanocomposite

In this work, flexible plasticized starch/graphene oxide (PS/GO) nanocomposites are synthesized by a simple and economic solution cast technique. The structural and surface morphological study of the nanocomposite demonstrates an increased degree of interaction between PS and GO which in turn improves the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the nanocomposite. The influence of GO loading on the capacitive performance of the nanocomposite was evaluated by studying the electrochemical properties. The PS/GO nanocomposite showed an improved capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 115 F/g compared to that of pure starch (2.20 F/g) and GO (10.42 F/g) at a current density 0.1 mA/cm². The electrochemical impedance analysis indicates that the incorporation of GO enhances the conductivity of the nanocomposite in the charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface due to the incorporation of GO. The large surface areas provided by the GO sheets allow faster transport of charge carriers into the electrode and improve the electrochemical properties of the PS/GO nanocomposite. Considering the simplicity and effectiveness of the synthesis proses, the result indicates that the PS/GO nanocomposite could be a potential alternative for bio-friendly, flexible energy-storage applications.