Preparation of α-Fe₂O₃/rGO composites toward supercapacitor applications

Abstract

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) integrated with iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe₂O₃/rGO) composites with different morphologies were successfully obtained through the <i>in situ</i> synthesis and mechanical agitation methods. It was found that the α-Fe₂O₃ was densely and freely dispersed on the rGO layer. By comparing electrochemical properties, the sheet-like α-Fe₂O₃/rGO composites demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance: the highest specific capacitance, and excellent cycling stability and rate capacity. The specific capacitance is 970 F g^-1 at a current density of 1 A g^-1 and the capacitance retention is 75% after 2000 cycles with the current density reaching 5 A g^-1. It is mainly due to the synergistic effect between the α-Fe₂O₃ and rGO, and the high conductivity of the rGO offers a fast channel for the movement of electrons.