Tuning electrical conductivity and surface area of chemically-exfoliated graphene through nanocrystal functionalization

Yue Zhang, Shiren Wang, Li Li, Kun Zhang, Jingjing Qiu, Marauo Davis, Louisa J. Hope-Weeks

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Silver nanocrystals were used to prevent the stacking of exfoliated graphene and to improve its conductivity. They were deposited onto chemically-exfoliated graphene through self-assembly and subsequent reduction of silver ions. Characterization by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy has confirmed the formation of silver/graphene hybrid. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption tests indicated that the nanoparticles inhibited the restacking of these sheets, resulting in larger active surface areas. The electrical conductivity of silver-deposited graphene was increased by nearly 3 times. The hybrid material was also used as an electrode of a supercapacitor and the capacitance of 326 F g -1 was achieved at a scan rate of 2 mV s -1. In contrast, as-produced chemically-exfoliated graphene based supercapacitors exhibited a capacitance of 109 F g -1. These results provide a valuable guidance for tuning the properties of chemically-exfoliated graphene in potential applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1057-1063
Number of pages7
JournalMaterials Chemistry and Physics
Volume135
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2012

Keywords

  • Electrical conductivity
  • Graphene
  • Nanocomposites
  • Supercapacitor
  • Surface area

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tuning electrical conductivity and surface area of chemically-exfoliated graphene through nanocrystal functionalization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this