Recycling of Graphite Rod from Primary Batteries to Make Graphene Oxide by Electrochemical Exfoliation Method for Supercapacitor Application

The supercapacitor properties of graphene oxide (GO) synthesized from spent primary battery graphite rods are investigated. The electrochemical exfoliation method is used to synthesize GO. For exfoliation, graphite rods from discarded C-type primary batteries are used as precursors. XPS and Raman’s examinations demonstrate that GO possesses discrete oxygen functional groups and a considerable defect density. FE-SEM and TEM investigation reveals a thin sheet-like morphology with a reasonable surface area and pore volume calculated using the N2 absorption–desorption technique. The electrochemical behavior of GO is studied in 1M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. CV shows typical EDLC behavior with quasi-rectangular curves. GCD study shows a maximum capacitance of 57.7 F g−1 at 0.8 mA. Stability studies of GO-electrodes show retention of 70% of initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. Overall study indicates GO made from recycled graphite rod has excellent supercapacitive properties and can be used as a replacement for activated carbon.