Combustion synthesis of graphene and ultracapacitor performance

Graphene sheets are synthesized by a simple method starting from graphitic oxide as a precursor. Reaction of graphitic oxide at 250 A degrees C with a combustion mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate results in the formation of thin graphene sheets. Graphene formation is characterized by XRD, TGA, XPS and TEM. Graphene materials synthesized by this method are investigated as an ultracapacitor material. Specific capacitance values of about 70 F/g are obtained at a current density of 100 mA/g by using KOH as an electrolyte.