CuO/SiO2 modified amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide with enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical properties

Abstract

Graphene, an ideal two dimensional material, has attracted much attention due to its unique structural and physicochemical properties. Herein, we report synthesis of CuO/SiO 2 modified amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and its excellent potentialities in environmental remediation and energy storage application. The structure, purity, functional groups and morphology of as-prepared CuO/SiO 2 :rGO nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM and TEM. The catalytic activity of the CuO/SiO 2 :rGO in different ratios was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light condition. The CuO/SiO 2 :rGO (mass ratio 1:3) exhibits high catalytic activity with 99% degradation of 20 ppm MB in 7 min. CuO/SiO 2 :rGO nanocomposites (1:3) also demonstrate good electrochemical performance with specific capacitance of 235 F g −1 , which is about fivefold higher than CuO nanoparticles. The nanocomposite (1:3) also reveals excellent cycling stability at 4 A g −1 for 1000 cycles and the capacitance retention was found to be 95% after 1000 cycles. These results validate that the development of a new class of composite necessitates the proper loading of metal oxide and GO to be used for energy and environmental applications.