Multifunctional surface-modified ultrathin graphene flakes for thermal and electrochemical energy storage application

This paper presents the preparation of ultrathin graphene nanoflakes (UGF) from microwave-irradiated expanded graphite, and delaminated via solution-phase exfoliation for thermal and electrochemical energy storage application. The surface of the UGF were modified with a carbon rich layer (UGF-C) to minimize restacking and prone to oxidizer-etching to create pores to support electrolyte ion transport. UGF-C exhibited specific capacitance of 83F/g at current density of 0.25 A/g with 97% capacitance retention for 1000 cycles. Also, UGF incorporated xylitol based phase change materials enhanced thermal conductivity by 40.1%. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd.