Microwave-aided ultra-fast synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles attached reduced graphene oxide edges as electrode materials for supercapacitors

This research study demonstrates synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) attached iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles by microwave treatment for electrode in supercapacitor. A self-assembled nanostructure consisting of rGO nanosheets edge attached Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been achieved using the in-situ reduction of graphite oxide and simultaneous decomposition of FeCl3.6H2O using microwave treatment. The rGO-Fe3O4 nanocomposites exhibited unique microstructure where Fe3O4 nanoparticles were uniformly attached to the edges of rGO nanosheets. Graphite oxide was reduced into rGO nanosheets and FeCl3.6H2O transformed into Fe3O4 nanoparticles simultaneously during the synthesis process. When the electrode material properties were evaluated, it exhibited a specific capacitance of 471F/g (at 10 mV/s). In addition, a significant level of stability was noticed during continuous CV cycles, with approximately 96.5% of capacitance retained after 1000 cycles. The increased specific capacitance and improved cycling stability can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and rGO nanosheets through the efficient bonding of Fe-O-C.