Artemisia vulgaris-assisted green synthesis of rGO-TiO2 nanocomposites for symmetrical supercapacitor electrode

Present work demonstrates graphene oxide (GO) reduction to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets using Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) leaf extract as a green reducing agent at low temperature. The extract's high phenolic content and strong antioxidant properties make it an effective and eco-friendly reducing agent over hazardous chemicals. Using similar approach, rGO-TiO 2 NCs has been synthesised successfully. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) have all been used to evaluate the produced rGO and rGO-TiO2 NCs. The significant reduction of GO's oxygen-containing functional groups into rGO is confirmed by Raman and EDX analysis. Further, synthesised rGO and rGO-TiO 2 NCs have been utilized for electrode materials for symmetrical supercapacitors (SSCs) electrodes. Electrochemical performances show remarkable cycle stability along with high specific capacitance around 304.4 F/g for rGO-TiO 2 NCs and 186.6 F/g for rGO at the current density of 2 A/g. The energy densities and power densities of rGO and rGO-TiO 2 NCs are found to be 9.3 W h/kg, 34.2 W h/kg and 669.6 W/kg, 898.6 W/kg. While cycling tests showed excellent retention of 97.2 % after 2000 cycles (100 mV/S). Notably, this method provides a simple, high-yield route for synthesizing rGO and rGO-TiO₂ NCs for boosting SSCs electrochemical performance.