Synthesis of partially graphitic nanoflake-like carbon/Fe3O4 magnetic composites from chitosan as high-performance electrode materials in supercapacitors

Abstract

In this study, we report the preparation of partially graphitic nanoflake-like carbons derived from chitosan and their magnetic composites via a hydrothermal reaction, followed by a high-temperature carbonization process. The prepared iron oxide particles are well dispersed on the surface of the carbon support and display good single-crystalline features. In addition, the carbon/iron oxide composite serves as an electrode material in supercapacitors. Electrochemical results demonstrated that the carbon/iron oxide based electrode can deliver high specific capacitance ∼299 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ with excellent recycling durability, which is probably due to the fast electron and ion transport, the enhanced conductivity and the generated pseudocapacitance that resulted from the sufficient faradaic redox reaction. More importantly, the synthetic approach is green and reproducible, which can facilitate the designing and fabrication of other carbon-based advanced function materials and devices.