Direct synthesis of graphene-based hybrid films as flexible supercapacitor electrodes

Abstract

Excellent carbon nanotubes and graphene have attracted more and more attention due to their fascinating properties of combining advantages. In this report, graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films (G/MWNTs) with excellent mechanical flexibility and high electrical conductivity were prepared by one-step and self-assembly strategy. Importantly, G/MWNTs were equipped with high specific surface areas, which are conductive to growing the micropores and active sites. The electrochemical measurement results indicate that G1/MWNTs exhibit a specific capacitance of 249.3 F g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 and still remain 91.3% of the original specific capacitance after 8000 cycles, indicating an excellent electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the flexible and mechanically stable graphene-based films can be bent to various angles on demand, which is a necessary condition in practical application. The as-prepared G/MWNTs show enormous potential in supercapacitors as high performance electrodes and may be favorable for some other research fields as well.