Stand-up structure of graphene-like carbon nanowalls on CNT directly grown on polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber paper as supercapacitor

This work demonstrates the directly grown graphene-like carbon nanowall (GNW)–carbon nanotube (CNT)–polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber (CF) paper structure for use as a highly efficient supercapacitor. The CF was prepared by electrospinning, and was then treated by carbonization. The CNTs were directly grown on the CF paper by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH4/H2 precursors at 800 °C. The GNW was further reconstructed onto the CNT surface by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH4/H2 precursors at 1500 °C (GNW–CNT/CF). Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the capacitance of the GNW–CNT/CF electrode is around 176 F g− 1 at a charging/discharging current density of 0.5 mA/cm2. The stand-up structure of GNW–CNT/CF has a high capacitance, attributable to its large surface area, high electrical conductivity and direct growth with low energy-loss. This novel stand-up structure of GNW–CNT/CF with a high surface area and low electron-transfer resistance has great potential for developing a revolutionary new class of nanostructured electrodes in supercapacitors or other energy-conversion applications.

Graphical abstractThis work demonstrates the stand-up structure of graphene-like carbon nanowall (GNW)–carbon nanotube (CNT) directly grown on polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber (CF) paper for use as a highly efficient supercapacitor (GNW–CNT/CF).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► GNW–CNT directly grown on CF paper is a novel architecture for supercapacitor. ► GNW–CNT/CF provides a low-resistance pathway for electron transfer. ► The capacitance of GNW–CNT/CF is three times higher than that of CF paper. ► GNW–CNT/CF has great potential for use as a highly efficient supercapacitor.