Hollow Few-Layer Graphene-Based Structures from Parafilm Waste for Flexible Transparent Supercapacitors and Oil Spill Cleanup

Abstract

We report a versatile strategy to exploit parafilm waste as a carbon precursor for fabrication of freestanding, hollow few-layer graphene fiber mesh (HFGM) structures without use of any gaseous carriers/promoters via an annealing route. The freestanding HFGMs possess good mechanical flexibility, tailorable transparency, and high electrical conductivity, consequently qualifying them as promising electrochemical electrodes. Because of the hollow spaces, electrolyte ions can easily access into and contact with interior surfaces of the graphene fibers, accordingly increasing electrode/electrolyte interfacial area. As expected, solid-state supercapacitors based on the HFGMs exhibit a considerable enhancement in specific capacitance (20-30 fold) as compared to those employing chemical vapor deposition compact graphene films. Moreover, the parafilm waste is found to be beneficial for one-step fabrication of nanocarbon/few-layer graphene composite meshes with superior electrochemical performance, outstanding superhydrophobic property, good self-cleaning ability, and great promise for oil spill cleanup.

Graphene and MXene-based transparent conductive electrodes and supercapacitors

“…For the potential application of graphene-based transparent SCs, sustainable, feasible and facile processes are of essential importance. In this regard, Hsu et al obtained freestanding graphene fiber mesh from the parafilm waste via an environmentally friendly approach [232]. The hollow graphene fiber mesh, which was chemically-doped by HNO3, possesses a transmittance of 76% (which decreased to 69% for the transparent SC), a low sheet resistance (~ 32 Ω sq -1 ) and a high flexibility, as shown in Fig.…”

“…17f-i. The C/A is improved to 1.1 mF cm -2 in the hollow nanocarbon/graphene fiber mesh composite, the former provides larger surface area for ion adsorption/desorption [232]. Very recently, highly transparent microsupercapacitors were reported by a direct inkjet printing-hard masking strategy (Fig.…”

A review on sustainable production of graphene and related life cycle assessment

“…These nanosheets were found to have single-crystal graphitic structure, but no further characterization was reported. In 2017, Nguyen et al annealed Parafilm on Ni meshes at temperatures between 600 • C and 980 • C in vacuum conditions [186]. The resulting hollow fibres were comprised of few-layer graphene (6-8 layers) with low amounts of defects, as evidenced by I D /I G of 0.14-0.54, having lower ratios at higher temperature treatments.…”

Human Exhalation CO2 Sensor Based on the PEI-PEG/ZnO/NUNCD/Si Heterojunction Electrode

“… 20 − 25 However, the ZnO-based CO 2 sensor can only operate at high temperatures, 26 and this obstacle can be overcome through the design of a structure with improved electron transmission efficiency. 27 − 29 Carbon nanomaterials have different microstructures for various applications, for example, if the hydrophilicity property is of concern, graphene oxides (GO) could be a good starting material to approach; 30 on the other hand, if a high electrical conductance property is required, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (NUNCD) are the most promising candidates.…”