Carbon Nanodots as Feedstock for a Uniform Hematite ‐Graphene Nanocomposite

In this study, carbon nanodots are used to fabricate a homogeneous, finely dispersed Fe2O3‐graphene composite aerogel in a one‐step conversion process from a precursor mixture. The laser‐assisted conversion of small size carbon nanodots enables a uniform distribution of 6.5 nm Fe2O3 nanoparticles during the formation of a highly conductive carbon matrix. Structural and electrochemical characterization shows that the features of both material entities are maintained and successfully integrated. The presence of Fe2O3 nanoparticles has a positive effect on the active surface area of the carbon aerogel and thus on the capacitance of the material. This is demonstrated by testing the performance of the composite in supercapacitors. Faradaic reactions are exploited in an aqueous electrolyte through the high accessible surface of the incorporated small Fe2O3 nanoparticles boosting the specific capacitance of the 3D turbostratic graphene network significantly.

Source: Small - November 12, 2018 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Volker Strauss, Mackenzie Anderson, Chenxiang Wang, Arie Borenstein, Richard B. Kaner Tags: Full Paper Source Type: research