Hydrothermal synthesis of reduced graphene sheets/Fe2O3 nanorods composites and their enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

• Graphene nanosheets were synthesized via using glucose as a reducing agent.
• Fe2O3 nano-rods grew onto conducting graphene sheets keeping neighboring sheets separate.
• The open layer structure improves the contact between the electrode and the electrolyte.
• Results showed that these composites have good electrochemical property.

Reduced graphene nanosheets/Fe2O3 nanorods (GNS/Fe2O3) composite has been fabricated by a hydrothermal route for supercapacitor electrode materials. The obtained GNS/Fe2O3 composite formed a uniform structure with the Fe2O3 nanorods grew on the graphene surface and/or filled between the graphene sheets. The electrochemical performances of the GNS/Fe2O3 hybrid supercapacitor were tested by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Comparing with the pure Fe2O3 electrode, GNS/Fe2O3 composite electrode exhibits an enhanced specific capacitance of 320 F g−1 at 10 mA cm−2 and an excellent cycle-ability with capacity retention of about 97% after 500 cycles. The simple and cost-effective preparation technique of this composite with good capacitive behavior encourages its potential commercial application.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide