Nd-Mg-Ni alloy electrodes modified by reduced graphene oxide with improved electrochemical kinetics

To improve the electrochemical kinetics of Nd-Mg-Ni alloy electrodes, the alloy surface was modified with highly conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via a chemical reduction process. Results indicated that rGO sheets uniformly coated on the alloy surface, yielding a threedimensional network layer. The coated surfaces contained numerous hydrophilic functional groups, leading to better wettability of the alloy in aqueous alkaline media. This, in turn, increased the concentration of electro-active species at the interface between the electrode and the electrolyte, improving the electrochemical kinetics and the rate discharge of the electrodes. The high rate dischargeability at 1500 mA center dot g(-1) increased from 53.2% to 83.9% after modification. In addition, the modification layer remained stable and introduced a dense metal oxide layer to the alloy surface after a long cycling process. Therefore, the protective layer prevented the discharge capacity from quickly decreasing and improved cycling stability.