Preparation of graphene/vanadium oxide nanocomposite monolith and its electrochemical performance

• G/V2O5 nanocomposite monolith is prepared by one-step hydrothermal technology.
• G/V2O5 nanocomposite electrode shows much excellent capacitive property.
• G/V2O5 nanocomposite exhibits more stable cycle performance.

Graphene/vanadium oxide nanocomposite (G/V2O5) monolith is prepared via a simple hydrothermal process. Owing to the intimate contact between the V2O5 nanobelts and graphene nanosheets in the monolith, the nanocomposite shows excellent electric conductivity, and therefore makes the electrode–electrolyte contact better and Li+ diffusion faster. A high specific capacitance of 163 F g−1 has been achieved for G/V2O5 electrode in 0.5 mol L−1 K2SO4 solution. The G/V2O5 nanocomposite exhibits excellent cyclic performance with nearly 80% capacity retention at a current density of 5 A g−1 in a testing range of 1000 cycles. Moreover, G/V2O5 nanocomposite exhibits excellent discharge properties and cycle stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The initial capacity is 1100 mAh g−1 and the reversible capacity of 530 mAh g−1 is maintained after 100 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g−1.

Graphical AbstractGraphene/V2O5(G/V2O5) nanocomposite monolith is prepared in a mixture of ammonium vanadate, acetic acid and graphite oxide by one-step hydrothermal technology. Owing to the novel structure of ultralong V2O5 nanobelts interpenetrated between the G nanosheets, the G/V2O5 nanocomposite electrode shows higher specific capacitances and better cycle stability than those of G and V2O5 electrodes for supercapaciors and lithium ion battaries.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide