Amino acid-mediated N-doped graphene aerogels and its electrochemical properties

Abstract

Three-dimensional porous nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels (NGAs) were synthesized via a facile and green hydrothermal process by using graphene oxide and different amino acids as nitrogen source. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared NGAs were characterized by means of FESEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman and XPS spectroscopy. The microstructure, nitrogen content and doping configuration of NGAs could be facilely controlled by selecting different amino acids. The formation mechanism of different nitrogen doping configurations was proposed. It has been proved that the NGAs prepared with amino acids as nitrogen doping source had enhanced electrochemical performance than pristine graphene aerogels. The pyrrolic N as main doping configuration plays important role in determining the electrochemical performance of NGAs. The NGA with pyrrolic N (content up to 13.82 at.%) exhibited a high specific capacitance, superior rate capability and excellent cycling life. This study gives inspiration to fabricate NGAs for a broad range of technological applications.