Preparation of Few Layer Three-dimensional Graphene Networks by CVD for Energy Storage Applications

Three-dimensional graphene networks (3DGNs) with a controllable number of layers (from monolayer to few layers) are fabricated by CVD on a Ni foam rod (NFR) template. The special morphology of the NFR and accompanying concentration gradients of CH 4 gas provide the necessary conditions to deposit the 3DGNs with varied thicknesses on different areas of one substrate. The high conductivity, large Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET) area, and three-dimensional network of the 3DGNs make it a potential material for use in the electrochemical field. Supercapacitors with the 3DGNs-based electrode show a high energy density ∼34.2 Wh kg −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 , and a specific capacitance of 246 F g −1 is obtained in a 30 wt.-% KOH aqueous electrolyte solution. Moreover, the resultant devices maintain high performances under high current density conditions, indicating the outstanding stability of the prepared 3DGNs.