Synthesis of Co3O4/RGO Nanocomposite and Investigation of its Electrochemical Properties for Supercapacitor Applications

Nowadays, energy storage has become a crucial challenge for humanity. Supercapacitors have emerged as a promising option for energy storage due to their numerous advantages. In this study, Co3O4/RGO nanocomposite electrode materials with high specific capacity and favorable electrochemical performance and cycling stability for electrochemical applications were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method on a nickel foam substrate and compared with cobalt oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized samples were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For electrochemical evaluation, the synthesized nanostructures were examined in a three-electrode system with a 6 M KOH electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests were performed. The obtained specific capacity for the hybrid sample was 634.8 F/g at a current density of 1.5 A/g. In contrast, the specific capacity for the cobalt oxide nanoparticle sample was obtained to be 206.1 F/g, indicating a significant capacity enhancement for the hybrid sample. The demonstrated favorable electrochemical performance could be attributed to the nanoscale morphology and hybrid composition.