Investigation of the performance and properties of ZnO/GO double-layer supercapacitor

Abstract

Composite electrode material was formed by mixing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) compound, using the Hummers and green synthesis methods, respectively. Of rGO powder, 10 g was mixed with 10%, 20% and 30% ZnO, and composite electrodes were obtained by using 10% binder. The energy storage performance and structural characteristics of the supercapacitor were evaluated by analyzing the capacitance values of the synthesized electrodes. The structural characterization of ZnO/rGO composites was performed using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the ZnO/GO electrodes were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. The specific capacitance value of electrodes increased as zinc content increased in the ZnO/rGO composite material used to produce electrodes. The maximum specific capacitance values were measured at 5 mV/s scanning rate as 194.23 (rGO), 366.81 (10% ZnO), 383.18 (20% ZnO) and 410.48 F/g (30% ZnO). In conclusion, the use of composite material formed by the combination of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis method from orange peel and graphene oxide increased the electrochemical efficiency of the supercapacitor.