Performance Enhancement of Modified 3D SWCNT/RVC Electrodes Using Microwave-Irradiated Graphene Oxide

The goal of this article is to increase the electrode performance of 3D CNT/RVC electrodes by improving the ease of ion adsorption to and ion desorption from the electrode surfaces. This achievement was done by preparing different composites of synthesized microwave-irradiated graphene oxide (mwGO) with CNT and coated on RVC. The morphology of GO was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. Its surface property was checked by energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectra; whereas, for mwGO by XRD, Raman spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), which revealed some structural changes of GO after irradiation, where CNTs, being sandwiched between graphene layers, built 3D highly porous architecture inside the electrodes. The electrochemical test of composite electrodes showed increased electrodes conductivity and afforded rapid ions diffusion. It is observed that the 9-CNT/mwGO/RVC composite electrode performed as the best electrode, which showed 29% increment in specific capacitance value compared to the normal CNT/RVC electrode. This best electrode also showed very high cyclic stability in its cyclic voltammetry test that maintained 97% current stability after 2000 cycles, indicating that the electrode can be an effective material for water purification technology. Graphical Abstract