The Prospects of Graphene Oxide (GO) in Improving Efficiency of Energy Storage Devices

Abstract

Energy storage is the process of stocking up the energy produced once for the future use to overcome the energy demands. Energy storage systems offer a broad range of technological methods including batteries and thermal and mechanical energy storage. In addition, hydrogen and pumped hydropower can also be used to manage the power supply so as to create further flexible energy utilities and bring commercial energy storage techniques. In the recent innovative energy storage technology queue, the gravity, flywheel, and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems, etc. are lining up. Hybrid energy storage systems which involve combination of multiple energy storage elements are also booming. Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors are some of the technologies which can meet the long-term energy need and instant power demands, respectively. Attempts are also being taken to improve the performance of energy storage devices. Graphene oxide (GO) is a single sheet of graphite oxide. GO has many oxygen-containing groups which give it a variety of unique properties which makes as a suitable material for adaptable applications in batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells particularly in improving the efficiency of the electrodes which intern improve their energy storage. The properties, applications, challenges, and future prospects of GO in improving the performance of energy storage devices are discussed in this chapter.