One-Step One Chemical Synthesis Process of Graphene from Rice Husk for Energy Storage Applications

Few layer graphene was synthesized using rice husk ash (RHA) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). This methodology demonstrates the utility of RHA as carbon source for graphene synthesis and as a protective barrier against oxidation of parent rice husk and KOH mixture. Oxidation may occur during synthesis process due to high temperature annealing of RHA and KOH mixture. Electrochemical characterization showed decent capacitance value 86 F·g-1 at 500 mV·s-1. XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of graphitic structure. Transmission electron microscopy visually confirmed presence of few layer graphene. Novelty of this synthesis technique can be described as one-pot, one chemical synthesis technique. Use of natural precursor makes this technique highly cost effective for large scale production.