Iron metal induced deoxygenation of graphite oxide nanosheets-insights on the capacitive properties of binder-free electrodes

Abstract

An inexpensive and one-step method for the de-oxygenation of graphite oxide (GO) using iron metal powder (Fe) in strongly acidic media is reported. Considering that Fe is non-toxic compared to hydrazine, this near room temperature method is very effective in removing most of the oxygen functionalities, as evidenced by extensive analytical characterizations. The as prepared few-layer reduced GO (rGO) were used as binder-free electrodes and their capacitive behaviours were evaluated in alkaline electrolyte. Results indicate that the electrodes exhibit comparable or much higher specific capacitance than that of the rGO produced via hydrazine or alcohol assisted reduction. With good cycling durability and electrochemical stability, the as prepared rGO electrodes show no signs of capacitance fading for 1000 cycles, thus being promising for the fabrication of high performance additives and binder free graphene supercapacitors.