Synthesis and characterization of reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitors

Abstract

The main focus of this investigation was to add value to high purity Sri Lankan graphite. Reduced graphene oxide(rGO) was synthesized using locally available graphite from Kahatagaha mines and purity was recorded as 99%. Modified Hummers method was used to synthesize rGO. Synthesized rGO was characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy(XRD). The specific capacitance was recorded as 0.45Fg-1 in rGO. The specific capacitance of the capacitor was calculated using cyclic voltammetry testing at 10mVs-1. SEM analysis shows the rGO surface character, larger surface area and warped morphology of rGO. In this research, we were able to develop rGO material from locally available graphite for capacitor applications without surface activation. Numerous research projects are ongoing in this field with ultra-pure (99.99%) graphite materials but the purity of locally sourced graphite recorded as 90% to 99% without value addition. Therefore, the usability of local graphite to develop rGO seen prospective for its super capacitance performance, however, future improvement is needed.