Leaf-like graphene oxide with a carbon nanotube midrib and its application in energy storage devices

Graphene oxide (GO) has recently attracted a great deal of attention because of its heterogeneous chemical and electronic structures and its consequent exhibition of a wide range of potential applications, such as plastic electronics, optical materials, solar cells, and biosensors. However, its insulating nature also limits its application in some electronic and energy storage devices. In order to further widen the applications of GO, it is necessary to keep its inherent characteristics while improving its conductivity. Here, a novel leaf-like GO with a carbon nanotube (CNT) midrib is developed using vapor growth carbon fiber (VGCF) through the conventional Hummers method. The CNT midrib provides a natural electron diffusion path for the leaf-like GO, and therefore, this leaf-like GO with a CNT midrib displays excellent performance when applied in energy storage devices, including Li-O₂ batteries, Li-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. A novel leaf-like graphene oxide (GO) with a carbon nanotube (CNT) midrib is prepared from vapor growth carbon fiber (VGCF) using the conventional Hummers method. The CNT midrib provides a natural electron diffusion path for this leaf-like GO, and therefore, this leaf-like GO with a CNT midrib displays excellent performance when applied in energy storage devices, including Li-O₂ batteries, Li-ion batteries, and supercapacitors.