The improved electrochemical performance of cross-linked 3D graphene nanoribbon monolith electrodes

• Published in: Nanoscale Vol. 7; no. 15; pp. 6504 - 6509
• Main Authors: Vineesh, Thazhe Veettil, Alwarappan, Subbiah, Narayanan, Tharangattu N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 21.04.2015
• Subjects: Capacitance; Crosslinking; Devices; Electrodes; Graphene; Nanostructure; Three dimensional; Two dimensional
• ISSN: 2040-3364; 2040-3372; 2040-3372
• DOI: 10.1039/C4NR07315K

Technical advancement in the field of ultra-small sensors and devices demands the development of novel micro- or nano-based architectures. Here we report the design and assembly of cross-linked three dimensional graphene nanoribbons (3D GNRs) using solution based covalent binding of individual 2D GNRs and demonstrate its electrochemical application as a 3D electrode. The enhanced performance of 3D GNRs over individual 2D GNRs is established using standard redox probes – [Ru(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+/2+ , [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3−/4− and important bio-analytes – dopamine and ascorbic acid. 3D GNRs are found to have high double layer capacitance (2482 μF cm −2 ) and faster electron transfer kinetics; their exceptional electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction is indicative of their potential over a wide range of electrochemical applications. Moreover, this study opens a new platform for the design of novel point-of-care devices and electrodes for energy devices.