Nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide modified with mesoporous carbon layers anchored by hollow carbon spheres for energy storage

Abstract Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) derived materials are promising materials for energy storage due to good conductivity as well as the ability for effective charge-transfer and mass-transfer. However, the agglomeration properties, poor pores and surface inertness of rGO limit its applications in energy storage. Herein, rGO modified by N-doped mesoporous carbon layers anchored by hollow carbon spheres nanocomposites (rGONC) have been prepared via a strategy of direct multi-constituent co-assembly. The obtained rGONC exerts the synergistic effects of both components with favorable characteristics such as mesoporous hollow structure with separated rGO sheets, high specific surface area and moderate N doping, making it an effective applying in energy storage systems. When rGONC is used for potassium-ion batteries, a high initial reversible capacity, an ultra-long cycling life, as well as a prominent rate capability are received. As an electrode in supercapacitors, rGONC demonstrates outstanding electrochemical performances of a high specific capacitance, a superior cycling stability and an extraordinary rate capability.