Abstract
Graphene Oxide (GO) was synthesized using the Modified Hummers Method and subsequently thermally reduced to produce reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated crystalline dimensions of approximately 5 nm for GO and 7 nm for rGO, suggesting a slight increase in crystallinity after reduction. UV-vis spectroscopy revealed distinct electronic properties: GO exhibited an optical band gap of 2.42 eV, which narrowed to 1.33 eV in rGO, indicating improved conductivity in post-reduction. Raman Spectroscopy showed characteristic D and G bands, with the ID/IG intensity ratio increasing after thermal reduction, suggesting a higher degree of structural defects in rGO. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided morphological insights, while Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) confirmed the reduction of oxygen-containing groups in rGO. Electrochemical analyses using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) demonstrated enhanced charge storage and faster electron transfer kinetics in rGO compared to GO, highlighting its potential for superior supercapacitor electrodes. This study underscores the diverse properties of GO-rGO, essential for advancing electrochemical energy storage technologies.