Graphene Nanoplatelets via Exfoliation of Platelet Carbon Nanofibers and Its Electric Double Layer Capacitance

Graphite oxide nanoplatelets with thickness of approximately 1 nm were synthesized via exfoliation of platelet carbon nanofibers with average diameter of 150 nm. The lateral size of the graphite oxide nanoplatelets was in accord with the diameter of the parent platelet carbon nanofibers. Subsequent chemical reduction of the graphite oxide nanoplatelets resulted in graphene nanoplatelet aggregates. Specific capacitance of 132 F g(-1) in sulfuric acid electrolyte was obtained for the graphene nanoplatelet electrodes, which is about 1.6 times higher than graphene nanosheet aggregates obtained from natural graphite. The capacitive properties are discussed based on the size of the graphene nanoplatelets.