Topochemically synthesized MoS2 nanosheets: A high performance electrode for wide-temperature tolerant aqueous supercapacitors

This work describes the formation of two-dimensional molybdenum di-sulfide (MoS2) nanosheets via topochemical sulfurization of MoO3 microplates and its applications towards wide-temperature tolerant supercapacitors. Physico-chemical characterizations such as XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS and elemental mapping analysis revealed the formation of MoS2 nanosheets with lateral size in the range of 200 nm. The electrochemical properties of the MoS2 electrode using three-electrode configuration tests revealed the presence of pseudocapacitive mechanism of charge-storage with a high capacitance (119.38 F g(-1)) from cyclic voltammetry profiles and superior cyclic stability of 95.1% over 2000 cycles. The symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) fabricated using MoS2 electrodes delivered a high-energy density (6.56 Wh kg(-1)) and high-power density (2500 W kg(-1)) with long cycle life. The electrochemical performance of the MoS2 SSC exhibited similar to 121% improvement at 80 degrees C compared to that achieved at 20 degrees C and the mechanism of improved properties were examined with the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These experimental results indicate usefulness of topochemically synthesized MoS2 for construction of wide-temperature tolerant supercapacitors that can be useful in a variety of industrial sectors. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study successfully synthesized two-dimensional molybdenum di-sulfide nanosheets via topochemical method and applied them in supercapacitors, demonstrating high capacitance, stability, and long cycle life.