Novel three-dimensional island-chain structured V2O5/graphene/MWCNT hybrid aerogels for supercapacitors with ultralong cycle life

Abstract

Novel three-dimensional (3D) island-chain structured vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅)/graphene (GN)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid aerogels (VGMA) are synthesized by a sol–gel method. In this process, V₂O₅ in situ grows along the surface of both MWCNT and GN by the coordination effect. These two kinds of one-dimensional fibers (V₂O₅ nanofibers and V₂O₅ coated MWCNT) and one kind of two-dimensional sheets (GN) co-assemble into a 3D porous island-chain structure. VGMA exhibit enhanced specific capacitance (504 F g⁻¹), large energy density (70 W h kg⁻¹) and outstanding cyclic property (82.9% retention after 32 500 cycles). All these excellent electrochemical properties of ternary VGMA can be attributed to the well-designed nanostructure and synergistic effect of the individual components. This also demonstrates that the unique island-chain nanostructured VGMA can be a good candidate for supercapacitors.