KOH modified graphene nanosheets for supercapacitor electrodes

Chemical modification of graphene nanosheets by KOH was examined as a way to enhance the specific capacity of graphene nanosheets in supercapacitor. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the effects of the treatment on the surface of the graphene nanosheets. The specific capacitance of 136 F g−1 was obtained for KOH treated graphene by integration of the cyclic voltammogram, an increase of about 35% compared with that for the pristine graphene nanosheets.

► Graphene nanosheets modified by KOH treatment were used as supercapacitor materials.
► Some oxygen-containing functional groups were introduced by KOH treatment.
► The KOH treatment led to the improved electrochemical performance of graphene nanosheets.