Improved-quality graphene films via the synergism of large nanosheet aligning and nanotube bridging for flexible supercapacitors

Xuan Xu ^1,2, Zhenhu Li ^1,2, Haoxiang Li ^1,2

⁰Research Center of Electrochemical Energy Storage Technologies, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, People's Republic of China.

Nanotechnology +

|

July 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces a new method to create enhanced reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films for electronics. The strategy improves mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and capacitance for advanced energy storage and wearable devices.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Electrochemistry

Background

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films are promising for wearable electronics and energy storage.
Structural defects like wrinkles and voids in rGO films limit mechanical and electrical performance.
Dense stacking of graphene sheets hinders ionic kinetics, impacting device efficiency.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a scalable strategy for producing rGO films with superior mechanical and electrical properties.
To address limitations in rGO film structure, such as wrinkles, voids, and dense stacking.
To enhance ionic and electronic transport for improved energy storage applications.

Main Methods

A horizontal-longitudinal-structure modulating strategy was employed.
Incorporation of two-dimensional large graphene sheets (LGS) to reduce wrinkles during assembly.
Integration of one-dimensional single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to enhance structural integrity and reduce restacking.

Main Results

The developed strategy created flat rGO films with significantly improved mechanical properties.
Achieved electrical conductivity of 38727 S m<sup>-1</sup> and specific capacitance of 232 F g<sup>-1</sup>.
Flexible gel supercapacitors demonstrated high energy density, flexibility, and 93.8% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.

Conclusions

The LGS and SWCNT incorporation synergistically optimizes rGO film microstructure.
This approach enhances graphene sheet alignment, conductive pathways, and interlayer spacing.
Provides a general strategy for robust graphene materials in flexible electronics and energy storage.

Keywords:

electrical conductivity flexible supercapacitor graphene film mechanical strength synergistic interaction