Nanosheet-assembled 3D flower-like MoS2/NiCo(OH)2CO3 composite for enhanced supercapacitor performance

3D flower-like MoS2/NiCo(OH)(2)CO3 (MoS2/NiCoHC) composites are synthesized by a hydrothermal method using MoS2 nanospheres as precursors. The microstructure of the composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The MoS2 nanospheres are served as nucleating agent to trigger the formation of NiCoHC nanosheets, which self-assemble into 3D flower-like MoS2/NiCoHC particles. The MoS2/NiCoHC composites exhibit a high supercapacitive performance with a specific capacity of 583 C g(-1) (1296 F g(-1)) at 1 A g(-1) and a long-term cycling stability by retaining 94.3% after 2000 cycles in 2 M KOH. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor of MoS2/NiCoHC as the positive electrode and commercial active carbon as the negative electrode achieves a high power density of 375 W kg(-1) at 16.4 Wh kg(-1). The enhanced performance of the MoS2/NiCoHC composite can be attributed to the larger surface area provided by 3D flower-like structure and the synergy of the two hybrids. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

3D flower-like MoS2/NiCoHC composites were synthesized using MoS2 nanospheres as precursors, showing high specific capacity and cycling stability. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor with MoS2/NiCoHC as positive electrode achieved a high power density.