Preparation and Characterization of Co3O4/Graphene/Cellulose Nanofiber Composite Films

keywords:cellulose nanofiber  graphene  Co₃O₄  supercapacitor  composite films

Abstract:Nanocellulose has served as an eye-catching nanomaterial for constructing advanced functional devices with renewability, light weight, flexibility, and environmental friendliness. In this study, Co₃O₄/graphene/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) flexible composite films, in which the CNF acted as a spacer for the graphene, were prepared via a facile and scalable vacuum filtration method. The effects of the CNF on the microstructure, hydrophilicity, thermal stability, tensile strength, surface resistance, and electrochemical performance of the Co₃O₄/graphene/CNF composite films were systematically investigated. The results showed that the synergistic interaction of the CNF and graphene substantially improved the overall properties of the Co₃O₄/graphene/CNF composite films, particularly their hydrophilicity and tensile strength. Meanwhile, Co₃O₄/graphene/CNF composite films with a CNF content of 4% appeared to have the optimal electrochemical performance, with an area specific capacitance of 56 mF/cm² and prominent capacitance retention of 95.6% at a current density of 1 A/g after 1000 cycles. This work demonstrated that the prepared Co₃O₄/graphene/CNF flexible composite films have great application potential in the field of flexible energy storage devices.