Effect of graphene on electrochemical performance of carbon nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning

Abstract

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution were synthesized by electrospinning method proceeded by stabilisation and carbonization in a tubular furnace of quartz. The electrochemical behaviour of the prepared sample was improved by employing Graphene nanosheets and porous graphene/carbon nanofibers (G/CNFs) via electrospinning technique were prepared. Further prepared samples were examined by UV-VIS spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These studies reveal nanoscale fibres of CNFs and G/CNFs with varying diameters from 300-600 nm with substantial porosity. The electrochemical performance of as prepared(pure) and Graphene embedded samples were studied at various scan rates using cyclic voltammetry. Pure CNFs exhibit a deformed rectangular CV curve with sharp redox peaks, whereas G/CNFs have a roughly rectangleprofile without redox peaks analogous to double-layer capacitor. Galvanostatic charge - discharged technique was employed for the measurement of specific capacitance. Samples CNFs and G/CNFs reflect improved electrochemical performance that may be corelated to the interlaying graphene nanosheets, which improves the internal electrical conductivity of G/CNFs.