Graphite-Mediated Microwave-Exfoliated Graphene Fluoride as Supercapacitor Electrodes

A graphite-mediated microwave-based strategy was used for solid-state exfoliation of graphite fluoride in a few seconds, followed by a simple yet efficient separation to obtain exfoliated materials based on the density difference between graphite and graphene fluoride in solvent. The microwave-exfoliated graphene fluoride was a few layers thick and electrically conductive. The electrochemical testing of pouch-cell supercapacitors assembled by using the exfoliated graphene fluoride electrodes and a novel microemulsion-based electrolyte showed reasonable performance with typical electrical double-layer capacitance behavior and good rate capability (gravimetric specific capacitance: 3.2 F g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1) and 3.1 F g(-1) at 5000 mA g(-1)). The BET specific surface areas of the as-exfoliated graphene fluoride are similar to 60-80 m(2) g(-1), which could be increased by activation using this simple yet versatile microwave-based method for further improvements on the electrochemical performance.

Automated summary

A microwave-mediated strategy was used to quickly exfoliate graphite fluoride and obtain exfoliated materials based on density difference. The exfoliated graphene fluoride had good electrical conductivity and its electrochemical performance could be further improved by activation.