High performance asymmetric supercapacitor based on molybdenum disulphide/graphene foam and activated carbon from expanded graphite

Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of ZnMoS4 Nanorods on Nickel Foam Substrate for Advanced Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications

A single-step hydrothermal method was utilized to grow ZnMoS4 (ZMS) nanorods uniformly. Initially, [MoS4]2- and Zn2+ ions interacted to create active nucleation centers, which then led to the formation of primary particles. These particles then underwent spontaneous aggregation and self-assembly on the nickel foam (NF) substrate, which served as a superior 3D interconnecting network template. This aggregation occurred nearly perpendicular to the NF and promoted the uniform growth of ZMS nanorods. The nanorods structure ensures efficient and rapid electrolyte accessibility and ion diffusion, resulting in an increased specific capacitance (Cs) of 2,116 Fg1- (846.4 C g-1) at 1 A g-1 and maintaining about 90% of their capacitance after 10,000 cycles of galvanic charge-discharge (GCD). In a hybrid supercapacitor configuration, ZMS@NF//AC@NF achieved a peak specific power of 7.2 kW.kg-1 and a specific energy of 40.3 Wh.kg-1. Remarkably, it preserved 93% of its initial capacitance after more than 20,000 cycles. These findings affirm the potential of binder-free ZMS nanorods as effective positive electrodes in advanced hybrid supercapacitors.

Phosphorus doped molybdenum disulfide regulated by sodium chloride for advanced supercapacitor electrodes

As a pseudocapacitor electrode material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) usually shows inferior capacity, rate capability and cyclability. Structural regulation and heteroatom doping are the available methods to ameliorate the electrochemical properties of MoS2. Herein, phosphorus doped molybdenum disulfide regulated by sodium chloride (SP-MoS2) is successfully synthesized using phosphomolybdate acid as a molybdenum source and an in situ dopant and sodium chloride (NaCl) as a structural regulator. Under the structural regulation of NaCl, the SP-MoS2 nanosheets exhibit an interweaved architecture with a large interlayer spacing of 0.68 nm. Owing to the in situ P doping and large specific surface area (21.0 m2 g-1), the SP-MoS2 electrode possesses a maximum capacity of 564.8 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and retains 56.3% of the original capacity at 20 A g-1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that SP-MoS2 displays a high K+ average adsorption energy of -3.636 eV. In addition, the fabricated SP-MoS2//AC asymmetric supercapacitor device displays an energy density of 22.8 W h kg-1 at 759 W kg-1.

MoS2 nanobelts-carbon hybrid material for supercapacitor applications

The MoS2 nanobelts/Carbon hybrid nanostructure was synthesized by the simple hydrothermal method. The MoS2 nanobelts were distributed in the interlayers of Lemon grass-derived carbon (LG-C), provides the active sites and avoid restacking of the sheets. The structural and morphological characterization of MoS2/LG-C and LG-C were performed by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements were studied with cyclic voltammetry, the galvanostatic charge-discharge method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The specific capacitance of MoS2/LG-C and LG-C exhibits 77.5 F g-1 and 30.1 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. The MoS2/LG-C-based supercapacitor provided the maximum power density and energy density of 273.2 W kg-1 and 2.1 Wh kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, the cyclic stability of MoS2/LG-C was tested using charging-discharging up to 3,000 cycles, confirming only a 71.6% capacitance retention at a current density of 3 A g-1. The result showed that MoS2/LG-C is a superior low-cost electrode material that delivered a high electrochemical performance for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage.

Recent advancements in zero- to three-dimensional carbon networks with a two-dimensional electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors

Supercapacitors have gained significant attention owing to their exceptional performance in terms of energy density and power density, making them suitable for various applications, such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. This review focuses on recent advancements in the utilization of 0-dimensional to 3-dimensional carbon network materials as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitor devices. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the potential of carbon-based materials in enhancing the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. The combination of these materials with other cutting-edge materials, such as Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs), MXenes, Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Black Phosphorus (BP), and perovskite nanoarchitectures, has been extensively studied to achieve a wide operating potential window. The combination of these materials synchronizes their different charge-storage mechanisms to attain practical and realistic applications. The findings of this review indicate that hybrid composite electrodes with 3D structures exhibit the best potential in terms of overall electrochemical performance. However, this field faces several challenges and promising research directions. This study aimed to highlight these challenges and provide insights into the potential of carbon-based materials in supercapacitor applications.

Covalently Interlayer-Confined Organic-Inorganic Heterostructures for Aqueous Potassium Ion Supercapacitors

Artificial assembly of organic-inorganic heterostructures for electrochemical energy storage at the molecular level is promising, but remains a great challenge. Here, a covalently interlayer-confined organic (polyaniline [PANI])-inorganic (MoS₂ ) hybrid with a dual charge-storage mechanism is developed for boosting the reaction kinetics of supercapacitors. Systematic characterizations reveal that PANI induces a partial phase transition from the 2H to 1T phases of MoS₂ , expands the interlayer spacing of MoS₂ , and increases the hydrophilicity. More in-depth insights from the synchrotron radiation-based X-ray technique illustrate that the covalent grafting of PANI to MoS₂  induces the formation of MoN bonds and unsaturated Mo sites, leading to increased active sites. Theoretical analysis reveals that the covalent assembly facilitates cross-layer electron transfer and decreases the diffusion barrier of K⁺ ions, which favors reaction kinetics. The resultant hybrid material exhibits high specific capacitance and good rate capability. This design provides an effective strategy to develop organic-inorganic heterostructures for superior K-ion storage. The K-ion storage mechanism concerning the reversible insertion/extraction upon charge/discharge is revealed through ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of MoO2/MoS2 Nanocomposites as High-Performance Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

By only changing the ratio of Mo to S source, a distinctive single phase MoO2 or MoS2 and MoO2/MoS2 nanocomposites (NCs) are obtained through a simple one-step hydrothermal method based on CH4N2S as a sulfur source and (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O as a source of Mo in oxalic acid. The effect of ratio of Mo to S source on the composition, structure, and electrochemical performance are systematically researched. Due to its unique design, abundant macropores active sites in MoO2/MoS2 NCs induce superior rate property (55.30% capacitance retention to 20 from 1 A g-1) and larger specific capacitance (1667.3 F g-1 at 1 A g-1) and longer cycle life (94.75% after 5000 cycles) as used directly as an electrode. Furthermore, at a power density of 225 W kg-1, a maximal energy density of 21.85 Wh kg-1 is provided by the asymmetric supercapacitor (MoO2/MoS2//AC). The capacitance of asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is remarkably enhanced by 129.02% under 5000 cycles at a current density of 1.5 A g-1, demonstrating outstanding cycle property. These results imply the prepared MoO2/MoS2 NCs have promising applications in advanced energy storages. It is important and should be noted that NCs of oxide and sulfide are prepared with only a simple one-step process.

A comparative study on the electrochemical capacitor performance of 1T/2H hybridized phase and 2H pure phase of MoS2nanoflowers

The 1T/2H hybridized and 2H pure phases of MoS₂nanoflowers were synthesized in a one-step hydrothermal process with the molybdenum source as sodium molybdate dihydrate and the sulfur source as thiourea. The as-prepared 1T/2H hybridized and 2H pure phases of MoS₂were investigated using a thermogravimetry\differential thermal analysis, powder x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The obtained 1T/2H hybridized phases of MoS₂were confirmed by the Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of MoS₂electrodes were examined using cycle voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrodes are based on the 1T/2H hybridized phases MoS₂with specific capacitance (C_p) of 555.4 F g^-1at current densities (C_d) of 0.5 A g^-1, capacity retention ratio of 85% after 10 000 cycles were observed that could be a strong potential electrode material for supercapacitors application.

Energy storage performance of 2D MoS2 and carbon nanotube heterojunctions in symmetric and asymmetric configuration

Excellent cyclic stability and fast charge/discharge capacity demonstrated by supercapacitors foster research interest into new electrode materials with 100% cycle life and high specific capacitance. We report an improvement in the electrochemical performance of MoS₂/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanohybrid and intensively explored its performance in symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) assembly. The symmetric assembly of MoS₂/MWCNT exhibits capacitance of around 274.63 F g^-1 at 2 A g^-1 with higher specific energy/power outputs (20.70 Wh kg^-1/1.49 kW kg^-1) as compared to the supercapacitor based on pristine MoS₂ (5.82 Wh kg^-1/1.07 kW kg^-1). On the other hand, a unique all-carbon-based ASC assembled with MoS₂/MWCNT and VSe₂/MWCNT composite with K₂SO₄ as electrolyte delivers the highest energy density of 32.18 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 1.121 kW kg^-1 with exceptional cycling stability and excellent retention of about 98.43% even after 5000 cycles. These outstanding results demonstrate the excellent electrochemical properties of both symmetric and asymmetric systems with high energy density and performance, which further enable them to be a potential candidate for supercapacitor applications.

Advanced materials and technologies for supercapacitors used in energy conversion and storage: a review

Supercapacitors are increasingly used for energy conversion and storage systems in sustainable nanotechnologies. Graphite is a conventional electrode utilized in Li-ion-based batteries, yet its specific capacitance of 372 mA h g−1 is not adequate for supercapacitor applications. Interest in supercapacitors is due to their high-energy capacity, storage for a shorter period and longer lifetime. This review compares the following materials used to fabricate supercapacitors: spinel ferrites, e.g., MFe2O4, MMoO4 and MCo2O4 where M denotes a transition metal ion; perovskite oxides; transition metals sulfides; carbon materials; and conducting polymers. The application window of perovskite can be controlled by cations in sublattice sites. Cations increase the specific capacitance because cations possess large orbital valence electrons which grow the oxygen vacancies. Electrodes made of transition metal sulfides, e.g., ZnCo2S4, display a high specific capacitance of 1269 F g−1, which is four times higher than those of transition metals oxides, e.g., Zn–Co ferrite, of 296 F g−1. This is explained by the low charge-transfer resistance and the high ion diffusion rate of transition metals sulfides. Composites made of magnetic oxides or transition metal sulfides with conducting polymers or carbon materials have the highest capacitance activity and cyclic stability. This is attributed to oxygen and sulfur active sites which foster electrolyte penetration during cycling, and, in turn, create new active sites.

Si Quantum Dots Assist Synthesized Microflower-Like Si/MoS2 Composites for Supercapacitors

The microflower-like Si/MoS2 composites were fabricated using Si quantum dots (QDs) to assist a facile hydrothermal method. The electrochemical performance of Si/MoS2 composite in symmetric and asymmetric systems was studied. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the Si/MoS2 composite electrode in a three-electrode system has a high specific capacitance of 574.4 F·g−1 at 5 A·g−1. Furthermore, the Si/MoS2 composite electrode in a two-electrode system had the maximum energy density of 27.2 Wh·kg−1 when a power density of 749.1 W·kg−1 was achieved. Therefore, this investigation proves the Si/MoS2 composite microflower-like structure should be a promising candidate electrode material for supercapacitors.

Sonochemistry-assisted fabrication of 1D-ZnSb2O6@2D-MoS2 nanostructures: A synergistic energy storage material for supercapacitors

In this work, a novel nanohybrid composing of molybdenum disulphide nanosheets and zinc antimonate nanorods was fabricated using ultrasonication assisted homogenous magnetic stirring approach and investigated their electrochemical performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. First and foremost, the structural, vibrational, morphological, optical and chemical compositional characteristics of the fabricated nanohybrid electrode material were investigated. Subsequently, the electrochemical properties of the nanohybrid electrode were explored using CV, GCD and EIS studies in 1.0 M KOH solution. The fabricated nanohybrid electrode material exhibited tremendous electrochemical performance by distributing maximum specific capacitance of 469.28 F g^-1 at a current density of 5.0 A g^-1 with high cycling stability of 102.0% even after 2000 cycles at a current density of 10.0 A g^-1. These exceptional electrochemical characteristics of MoS₂/ZnSb₂O₆ nanocomposites are ascribed to the influence of ultrasonication on non-aggregated nanocomposite formation, existence of more number of electrochemical active sites and synergistic interactions between two different nanostructures. The acquired results confirmed that MoS₂/ZnSb₂O₆ nanocomposites could be a prospective and electrochemically active candidate as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Phosphorus-Mediated MoS2 Nanowires as a High-Performance Electrode Material for Quasi-Solid-State Sodium-Ion Intercalation Supercapacitors

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂ ) is a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and fascinating 2D layered structure. However, its sluggish kinetics for ionic diffusion and charge transfer limits its practical applications. Here, a promising strategy is reported for enhancing the Na⁺ -ion charge storage kinetics of MoS₂ for supercapacitors. In this strategy, electrical conductivity is enhanced and the diffusion barrier of Na⁺ ion is lowered by a facile phosphorus-doping treatment. Density functional theory results reveal that the lowest energy barrier of dilute Na-vacancy diffusion on P-doped MoS₂ (0.11 eV) is considerably lower than that on pure MoS₂ (0.19 eV), thereby signifying a prominent rate performance at high Na intercalation stages upon P-doping. Moreover, the Na-vacancy diffusion coefficient of the P-doped MoS₂ at room temperatures can be enhanced substantially by approximately two orders of magnitude (10^-6 -10^-4 cm² s^-1 ) compared with pure MoS₂ . Finally, the quasi-solid-state asymmetrical supercapacitor assembled with P-doped MoS₂ and MnO₂ , as the positive and negative electrode materials, respectively, exhibits an ultrahigh energy density of 67.4 W h kg^-1 at 850 W kg^-1 and excellent cycling stability with 93.4% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 8 A g^-1 .

Graphene/transition metal dichalcogenides hybrid supercapacitor electrode: status, challenges, and perspectives

Supercapacitors, based on fast ion transportation, are among the most promising energy storage solutions that can deliver fast charging-discharging within seconds and exhibit excellent cycling stability. The development of a good electrode material is one of the key factors in enhancing supercapacitor performance. Graphene (G), an allotrope of carbon that consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, elicits research attention among scientists in the field of energy storage due to its remarkable properties, such as outstanding electrical conductivity, good chemical stability, and excellent mechanical behavior. Furthermore, numerous studies focus on 2D materials that are analogous to graphene as electrode supercapacitors, including transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Recently, scientists and researchers are exploring TMDs because of the distinct features that make 2D TMDs highly attractive for capacitive energy storage. This study provides an overview of the structure, properties, synthesis methods, and electrochemical performance of G/TMD supercapacitors. Furthermore, the combination of G and TMDs to develop a hybrid structure may increase their energy density by introducing an asymmetric supercapacitor system. We will also discuss the future prospect of this system in the energy field.

Three dimensional vanadium pentoxide/graphene foam composite as positive electrode for high performance asymmetric electrochemical supercapacitor

The electrochemical performance of hydrothermal synthesized three dimensional (3D) orthorhombic vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanosheets and vanadium pentoxide/graphene foam (V₂O₅/GF) composites at different mass loading of GF were successfully studied. The optimized V₂O₅/GF-150 mg composite provided a high specific capacity of 73 mA h g^-1, which was much higher than that the pristine V₂O₅ (60 mA h g^-1) nanosheets at a specific current of 1 A g^-1. A hybrid capacitor was also fabricated by adopting a carbon-based negative electrode obtained from the pyrolysis of an iron-PANI polymer (C-Fe/PANI) mixture and the 3D V₂O₅/GF-150 mg composite as the positive electrode in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The hybrid device of V₂O₅/GF-150 mg//C-Fe/PANI demonstrated a high energy density of 39 W h kg^-1 with a corresponding high power density of 947 W kg^-1 at a specific current of 1 A g^-1 in an operating voltage window of 0.0-1.6 V. The hybrid device also exhibited an excellent cycling stability with 74% capacity retention recorded for up to 10,000 constant charging-discharge cycles and an excellent ageing test at a specific current of 10 A g^-1.

Recent Advances in Metal Chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) Nanostructures for Electrochemical Supercapacitor Applications: A Brief Review

Supercapacitors (SCs) have received a great deal of attention and play an important role for future self-powered devices, mainly owing to their higher power density. Among all types of electrical energy storage devices, electrochemical supercapacitors are considered to be the most promising because of their superior performance characteristics, including short charging time, high power density, safety, easy fabrication procedures, and long operational life. An SC consists of two foremost components, namely electrode materials, and electrolyte. The selection of appropriate electrode materials with rational nanostructured designs has resulted in improved electrochemical properties for high performance and has reduced the cost of SCs. In this review, we mainly spotlight the non-metallic oxide, especially metal chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) based nanostructured electrode materials for electrochemical SCs. Different non-metallic oxide materials are highlighted in various categories, such as transition metal sulfides and selenides materials. Finally, the designing strategy and future improvements on metal chalcogenide materials for the application of electrochemical SCs are also discussed.

Improved mechanical, thermal and flame resistant properties of flexible isocyanate-based polyimide foams by graphite incorporation

In order to improve the mechanical, thermal and flame-resistant properties of polyimide foams (PIFs), in the present study, flexible polyimide (PI)/graphite composite foams were prepared with dianhydride and isocyanate as the starting materials and graphite as the filler. The experimental results showed that most cells of PIFs possessed an open cell structure, and the open cell content decreased by graphite incorporation. While with the increase in graphite, the distribution of cellular size became uneven and the size distribution became broad. The compressive strength increased initially and then decreased and reached the maximum value of 26.4 kPa when the graphite content was 1.98 wt%, but all the composite foams exhibited higher strength than the neat PIF. In addition, the limiting oxygen index increased from 31% to 34.8% with the increase in graphite from 0 wt% to 3.25 wt%. The peak heat release rate of composite foams was 2.3% to 24.7% lower than the neat PIF and reached a minimum value of 42.36 kW m−2 with the graphite content of 1.98 wt%. Considering the above analysis, it is feasible to improve mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame-resistant properties of PIFs by graphite addition.

Enhanced performances of functionalized XC-72 supported Ni(OH)2 composites for supercapacitors

Introducing oxygen-containing groups on the surface of XC-72 improves the supercapacitive performances of Ni(OH)₂/XC-72.

A review of recent progress in molybdenum disulfide-based supercapacitors and batteries

This article reviews the recent progress in molybdenum disulfide-based supercapacitors and batteries.