Graphene-based 3D composite hydrogel by anchoring Co3O4 nanoparticles with enhanced electrochemical properties

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based composite materials have attracted increasing attention, owing to their specific surface area, high conductivity and electronic interactions. Here, we report a convenient route to fabricate a 3D Co3O4/Graphene Hydrogel (CGH) composite as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Utilizing the gelation of a graphene oxide dispersion enables the anchoring of Co3O4 nanoparticles on the graphene sheet surfaces and formation of the hydrogel simultaneously. Remarkably, the spherical Co3O4 particles can serve as spacers to keep the neighboring graphene sheets separated. The CGH exhibits a high specific capacitance (C-s) of 757.5 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A g(-1), indicating its potential application as an electrode material for supercapacitors.