Graphene nanoplatelet-coated electrodes with cellulose binders for 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl-based aqueous posolyte

Abstract

<p>This study investigates the development of cellulose-bonded graphene nanoplatelet-coated electrodes for organic flow batteries (OFBs) utilizing 4-Hydroxy-2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPOL) as the active material. Graphite felt electrodes were coated via an optimized dip-coating process, varying the number of dips (1, 5 and 10). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed a 150% increase in oxidation peak current and a 250% increase in reduction peak current for the 10-dipped electrodes compared to pristine ones. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a 35% reduction in charge transfer resistance (R_p) for the 5-dipped electrodes, indicating enhanced ion transfer efficiency. Surface characterization analyses, including SEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy, confirmed uniform graphene coatings and structural integrity, while contact angle measurements demonstrated a transition from hydrophobic (157°) to hydrophilic (0°) surfaces, improving wettability and electrolyte interaction. These findings establish cellulose as a sustainable, cost-effective binder, with potential scalability for large-scale energy storage applications.</p>