Rapid synthesis of WO3/graphene nanocomposite via in-situ microwave method with improved electrochemical properties

Abstract

Two-dimensional WO3 nanoplates were grown on graphene sheets via an eco-friendly, simple and cost-effective in-situ microwave irradiation method. The physico-chemical properties of these nanocomposite electrode materials were examined by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectral analysis. The WO3 nanoplates were decorated on the graphene sheets without any agglomeration as confirmed by SEM and HR-TEM analyses. The average dimension of the WO3 nanoplates grown on the graphene sheet was measured to be 120 × 105 nm2. The WO3 nanoplates/graphene composite possesses a higher surface area offering more active sites, ensuring enhanced electrochemical properties during electrochemical reaction. Results of electrochemical studies on the WO3/G composite show higher specific capacitance of 761 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1, which is greater than the capacitance of graphene oxide (263 F g−1) and WO3 (169 F g−1). The composite electrode showed excellent cyclic stability even after 5000 cycles. The synergistic effect of WO3 and graphene has enhanced specific capacitance, cyclic stability and energy density owing to the interconnected conductive system of the WO3/G composite.