Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Monolithic Multifunctional\nConductive Binder for Activated Carbon Supercapacitors

Abstract

Using\nreduced graphene oxide (r-GO) as a multifunctional conductive\nbinder, a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach\nis developed to fabricate activated carbon/reduced graphene oxide\n(AC/r-GO) composite electrodes for supercapacitors with outstanding\nperformance. In such a composite, r-GO provides several much needed\ncritical functions: r-GO not only serves as the binder material improving\nthe AC particle/particle cohesion and electrode-film/substrate adhesion\nbut also improves the electrical conductivity of the composite and\nprovides additional surfaces for ion adsorption. Furthermore, during\nelectrode fabrication, initial GO precursor functions as an effective\ndispersant for AC, resulting in a stable electrode material slurry.\nEmploying characterization by advanced microscopy techniques, we show\nthat AC and r-GO assemble into an interconnected network structure,\nresulting in a composite with high specific capacitance, excellent\nrate capability, and long cycling life stability. Such high-performance\nelectrodes coupled with their relatively simple, scalable, and low-cost\nfabrication process thereby provide a clear pathway toward large-scale\nimplementation of supercapacitors.