Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Composites for Supercapacitors

Isaac Dippold, Lu Zhang, Derek DeArmond, Vesselin Shanov

Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, OH 45221

Introduction
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Graphene (G) show great
promise as supercapacitor electrodes because of their
excellent electrical conductivity, good mechanical
strength, and high specific surface area. However,
there are difficulties in the synthesis of these materials
that can create undesirable properties. The addition of
CNTs to G structures can be beneficial to the overall
structures properties. This project aims to synthesize
a CNT and G hybrid material with the advantages of
both allotropes for use as an electrode in a
supercapacitor.

Fe3O4
nanoparticle
s

1. Pristine:

Nickel

To obtain:
Fe
catalyst

2. Ferrocene:

Objective

Figure 3 and 4. (3) Schematic of synthesis method for

Ni catalyst pellet loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles; (4)
Image of FirstNano Easytube CVD furnace that was
utilized

Synthesize a CNT and G composite through chemical

vapor deposition (CVD)
This will be completed by first determining
the optimum synthesis techniques
Physically characterize the hybrid material
Perform electrochemical tests to test for electrode
performance

3. NiCo:

Raman Results

Larger D peak shows the growth of CNTs but can

also show the growth of amorphous carbon
Sample via Ferrocene

Pristine Graphene
G

4. FeCl2:

950

1900

750
1400

2D

Intensity (a.u.)

350

Figure 1. A visual representation of a CNT and G composite material

(tikalon.com)

5. Ni/Fe:

150

-100 0

Methods
Synthesis of CNT and G material through various
methods:
1. Pristine G coated via Ferrocene
2. Pristine G coated in NiCo2O4 particles
3. Pristine G coated in FeCl2 particles
4. Nickel/Iron catalyst pellet
Quality and uniformity determined by Raman
spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy
imaging (SEM)

400

Intensity (a.u.)

900

550

1000

2000

3000

4000

-50 0

Raman Shift (cm-1)

Sample via NiCo

Sample via Ni/Fe pellet

1150

5900

950

4900

750

3900

2900

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

Raman Shift (cm-1)

6900

Intensity (a.u.)

500

Intensity (a.u.)

Conclusions
CNTs were produced by some methods, with further
changes, it is probable that all would produce greater
CNT growth
Carbon concentration and catalyst particle size play a
large role in CNT growth
H2O can reduce amorphous carbon growth

550

350

1900
150

900
-50 0

-100

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

Raman Shift (cm-1)

500

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

Raman Shift (cm-1)

SEM Results

Figure 2. Diagram of chemical vapor deposition for the

growth of G and CNTs (azonano.com)

1. Pristine Graphene
2. Pristine Graphene composite using Ferrocene coating
image 2 shows CNT bundle growth
3. Pristine Graphene composite using NiCo coating
primarily amorphous carbon but coating is uniformly
distributed
4. Pristine Graphene composite using FeCl2 coating
primarily amorphous carbon but CNTs of (>2000nm)
were observed
5. Pristine Graphene composite using Ni/Fe pellet
primarily amorphous carbon but thicker Graphene
produced

Future Work

Change synthesis methods to obtain greater CNT

growth
Fully characterize the new composite if one is found
Perform electrochemical testing on the new composite
to test its performance as a supercapacitor electrode

Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the NSF for Grant # DUE0756921 for Type 1 Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP)
Project and the University of Cincinnati for funding and
providing the opportunity for this research. A special
thanks to Dr. Noe Alvarez for his advice and
contributions to the project.