Electrochemical Performance of Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube and
Graphene Composite Films Using Electrophoretic Deposition Technique
Elyas Talib
a
, Kok-Tee Lau, Muhammad Zaimi, Mohd Shahril Amin Bistamam,
Nor Syafira Abdul Manaf, Raja Noor Amalina Raja Seman,
Nor Najihah Zulkapli, Mohd Asyadi Azam
b
Carbon Research Technology Research Group, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering,
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100, Durian Tunggal, Melaka,
Malaysia
a
P051110009@student.utem.edu.my,
b
asyadi@utem.edu.my
Keywords: Electrochemical performance, Multi walled carbon nanotube, Graphene, composite
films, Electrophoretic deposition
Abstract. This study aims to investigate multi-walled carbon nanotube and graphene composite
thin films fabricated using cathodic electrophoretic deposition in aqueous solution. The deposition
mechanism and films microstructure were investigated using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and field
emission scanning electron microscope. The depositions yield varied by the deposition time and
deposition voltage. The composite films were studied for its application in the electrochemical
capacitor. The electrochemical performance showed the capacitive behavior of the films in 6 M
potassium hydroxide electrolyte. CV scans were verified from 0 to 1 V at different scan rates. The
specific capacitance of 29 Fg
-1
was achieved at the scan rate of 1 mVs
-1
.
Introduction
The development of energy storage devices based on carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene are
under investigation due to their unique properties, such as electrical, mechanical, thermal properties
and very large specific surface area [1-2]. CNT and graphene composite films attract special
attention in varied applications in electrochemical capacitor (EC) [3], photovoltaic [4], biomedical
[5], optical [6], and battery [7] devices. In the composite materials studies, CNT was incorporated
between the graphene layers and prevented layers from aggregation and restacking. Many studies
were focused on the development of new techniques for fabrication of CNT/graphene composite
film [8]. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is widely used to deposit CNT and graphene layers
sequentially [9]. However, this technique is complex, expensive and not suitable for large area
substrate. Despite the remarkable success achieved in the CNT/graphene composite fabrication,
there is a need for simple and flexible techniques to produce it, suitable for large area applications.
Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique offers many advantages, such as uniformity of film,
thickness of film and deposition rate of rigid control and the possibility of film formation on large
surface substrate [10]. The cathodic EPD performs many advantages [11] compared to the anodic
EPD, which can cause dissolution or oxidation of non-noble electrodes. As a result, the interfacial
resistance at the substrate interface will be increased and the deposited film to the substrate will be
reduced [12]. In addition, the cathodic EPD can also be combined with other electrochemical
techniques, such as electrogenerated based method and electroplating of metals for the fabrication
of composite film [11].
The goal of this study was to fabricate multi walled (MWCNT)/graphene composite films by
the EPD technique. The significant finding was the efficient dispersion, a possibility of charging.
The EPD process of MWCNT/ graphene using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution showed good film
formation on the substrate. The fabrication of MWCNT/graphene composite films were achieved,
which promises materials for the application in EC electrodes.
Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 761 (2015) pp 468-472 Submitted: 19.11.2014
© (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland Accepted: 20.11.2014
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.761.468
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