Metallic Layers on Graphene based Paper Electrodes for Better Energy Storage Characteristics

Abstract

This research aspires to have an unconventional and alternative source for flexible and bendable energy storage devices that have proved very useful to meet the demand of today’s energy crises. It is very interesting to use natural self-growing plant’s lignocellulose that are very abundant on earth and convert them in the form of paper-based electrodes. Fibers from Monochorea Vaginalis plant were taken and then dried, which were then treated in a solution to make flexible and smooth sheet. Scanning electron microscopy results presents the information about the surface morphology of naked sample, coated sample as well as composite with LC fibers. Addition of LC fiber makes the working electrode flexible, low cost and environmentally friendly for flexible energy storage applications. Poor conductivity of LC/graphene oxide based flexible sheets were addresses by the electrodeposition of metallic nanoparticles (i.e., Ni) on fabricated sheets (LC/graphene oxide). Electrochemical cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed. These fabricated composites can be used further as flexible electrodes in energy storage applications because of enhanced electrochemical properties.