Electrodeposition of Gold on Lignocelluloses and Graphite-Based Composite Paper Electrodes for Superior Electrical Properties

Graphite-based composites are commonly used as an anode and current collector for energy storage devices; however, they have inherently limited potential for large scale rechargeable systems due to a brittle structure. In this study, flexible and light-weight graphite-based electrodes are prepared by incorporation of lignocelluloses fibers directly collected from a self-growing plant, Typha Angistifolia. Electrical properties of graphite and lignocelluloses composite sheets are enhanced by electrodeposition of gold in a three-electrode setup. Electrochemical deposition of gold on a lignocelluloses/graphite paper electrode was obtained in potentiostatic mode by the application of reduction potential −0.95 V for 2000 s, 600 s, and 100 s. The gold-deposited paper electrodes showed efficient kinetics by shifting redox peaks towards lower potentials in cyclic voltammetry measurements, whereas impedance measurements revealed seven orders of magnitude reduction in the resistive properties. Incorporated flexibility and superior electrical/electrochemical performance within presented graphite-based composites will provide cutting-edge characteristics for high-tech application of energy storage devices by keeping a focus on modern disposable technology.