Graphite-colloidal graphite–kaolinite-cement quaternary composite electrode with improved synergetic matrix effect towards efficient energy storage and electroanalytical applications

The technological advancement relevant to energy storage devices are paramount considering the energy demand that will substantially increase in the future. Although electrodes are playing an essential role in these devices, the novel electrode technology carries a significant weight that can produce colossal impact on energy storage applications. The present study describe the advancement of graphite-clay composite electrodes, improving properties and performance by incorporating additional materials, which results in a quaternary electrode that is not only succeeded in energy storage but also in electroanalytical applications. The mechanical compression and thermal activation are the only technological processing steps that employed in fabricating quaternary composite electrode, which consists of graphite, colloidal graphite, kaolinite and cement (GCGKCeCE). The ideal voltammogram signal with higher sensitivity to both Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ , which are 1.01 A m mol −1 and 1.07 A m mol −1 , respectively, than the commercial electrodes is well-noticeable with GCGKCeCE, indicating better analyte detection ability. Aniline electropolymerization on GCGKCeCE led to PANI-GCGKCeCE that has low interface (0.30 Ω) and charge transfer (0.46 Ω) resistance due to a unique interwoven nanofiber network consisting of villi-like surface projections, which resulted from synergistic interactions between GCGKCeCE and PANI. The supercapacitor cell fabricated with an identical PANI-GCGKCeCE account for very high specific capacitance, which is 1029 F g −1 at 5 mV s −1 , confirming the feasibility in energy storage applications. The 99% coulombic efficiency that observed with supercapacitor cell even after 1800 cycles indicates an improved cyclic stability, which ensures better reversibility and lifespan. Graphical abstract