Synthesis and characterization of Co and Titania nanoparticle -intercalated rGO as a high capacitance electrode for CDI

Capacitive deionization (CDI) desalination has attracted much attention due to innovations in electrode manufacturing. Hybrid electrodes exhibit a relatively high capacity for salt ion removal, a fast rate of ion adsorption, and good permanence. In this study, a combination of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Co, and titanium oxide nanoparticles (10 rGO-1Co-xTiO2, x = 1∼9) was used to create a nanocomposite that was investigated as a possible electrode candidate for CDI. The crystalline structure, surface morphology and chemical bonding of the prepared nanocomposite samples have been examined by XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, and FT-IR. Electrochemical measurements were carried out to estimate the capacitive behavior of the different electrodes. The analysis of Co/rGO-xTi confirmed the incorporation of Co and Ti oxides into the rGO nanosheets. The cyclic Voltammetry results showed that Co/rGO-Ti7 had the best performance in terms of capacitance (720 F/g) and salt removal, reaching 12.48 mg/g, indicating its potential use as an electrode in CDI systems. The high performance was related to the synergistic effect of both Ti and Co oxides intercalated inside the rGO support.