One-step hydrothermal synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes/hydroquinone hydrogel and its electrochemical properties

Using oxalic acid as a reducing agent, hydroquinone (HQ), graphene (GO), and acidified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were compounded directly to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/CNTs/HQ hydrogels by a one-step hydrothermal method, and the phase composition and electrochemical properties were studied. During the hydrothermal reaction, the π bond in the hydroquinone molecule will be compounded with the large π bond on the surface of rGO due to the π-π interaction. At the same time, CNTs play a role of spacer and support in rGO/CNTs/HQ and improve the conductivity of rGO/CNTs/HQ. The prepared rGO/CNTs/HQ has a mass-specific capacitance of 219 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1; at 10 Ag−1, the mass-specific capacitance retains 81%, confirming its excellent rate performance; After 2000 cycles, the mass ratio capacitance retains 94%, and the cycle performance is excellent.