Graphenated carbon nanotubes for enhanced electrochemical double layer capacitor performance

This letter reports on nucleation and growth of graphene foliates protruding from the sidewalls of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their impact on the electrochemical double-layer capacitance. Arrays of CNTs were grown for different time intervals, resulting in an increasing density of graphene foliates with deposition time. The samples were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Both low and high frequency capacitance increased with increasing foliate density. A microstructural classification is proposed to explain the role of graphene edges, three-dimensional organization, and other features of hybrid carbon systems on their electrochemical properties. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.