Cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes intercalated into nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide's nanosheets for supercapattery application

In this study, we report a one-step method to synthesize Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes intercalated into nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NrGO). The NrGO-Co(OH)(2) (abbreviated as NRCO) nanocomposite is used as a positrode to fabricate a supercapattery device with activated carbon as the negative electrode. The surface morphology and microstructure of the NRCO nanocomposites were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope imaging and the structure was analysed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of the NRCO nanocomposite electrode are examined using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement. The NRCO nanocomposite electrode displayed a specific capacity of 75.2 C/g in a 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The cycle life of the supercapattery device fabricated with NRCO nanocomposite [with 2 wt.% CO(OH)(2)] exhibits a specific capacity to retain 93.1% of its initial capacity even after completing 3000 continuous charge/discharge cycles, which shows its potential among current energy storage devices.

Automated summary

In this study, a one-step method was developed to synthesize Co(OH)2 nanoflakes intercalated into nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NrGO). The NrGO-Co(OH)2 nanocomposite showed promising electrochemical performances and potential for energy storage devices. The specific capacity of the NRCO nanocomposite electrode reached 75.2 C/g, and the supercapattery device fabricated with NRCO nanocomposite exhibited excellent cycle life with 93.1% retention of its initial capacity after 3000 continuous charge/discharge cycles.