Graphene-Based Coronal Hybrids for Enhanced Energy Storage

Abstract

Functional materials with designer morphologies are anticipated to be the next generation materials for energy storage applications. In this manuscript, we have developed a holistic approach to enhance the surface area and hence the properties of nanostructures by synthesizing coronal nanohybrids of graphene. These nanohybrids provide distinctive advantages in terms of performance and stability over vertically stacked nanocomposites reported in literature. Various double hydroxide materials self-assembled as coronal lamellae on graphene shells have been synthesized and systematically studied. These coronal nanohybrids result in about a threefold increase in energy storage capacity as compared to their traditionally synthesized nanocomposite counterparts. The 3D graphene-based nanofibrils in the synthesized coronal nanohybrids provide mechanical support and connect the nodes of the double hydroxide lattices to inhibit restacking. Complex morphologies such as coronal nanostructures increase the interaction surface of the nanostructure significantly. Such an approach is also expected to bring a paradigm shift in development of functional materials for various applications such as sensors, energy storage, and catalysis.