title: Rapid microwave-assisted growth of silver nanoparticles on 3D graphene networks for supercapacitor application.
abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) grown on a three dimensional (3d) graphene networks (GNs) has been successfully prepared by an efficient and rapid microwave-assisted growth process to form GNs/AgNPs nanocomposite electrode materials for supercapacitor application. The 3d nature of the used GNs offers a unique architecture, which creates an efficient conduction networks and maximum utilization of space and interface, and acts as a conductive layer for the deposited AgNPs. The electrochemical performances of the fabricated electrode were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Specifically, the optimal GNs/AgNPs nanocomposite exhibits remarkable performances with a high specific capacitance of 528Fg-1at a current density of 1Ag-1and excellent capacitance retention of ∼93% after 3000cycles. Moreover, this microwave-assisted growth strategy of AgNPs is simple and effective, which could be extended to the construction of other three dimensional graphene based metallic composites for energy storage and conversion applications.
authors.affiliation: UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Electronic address: skhamlich@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khamlich
authors.affiliation: UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Khamliche
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dhlamini
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khenfouch
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Mothudi
authors.affiliation: UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maaza
keywords: Graphene; Microwave; Silver nanoparticles; Supercapacitor