CoSe2@ZnS microsphere arrays with remarkable electrochemical performance for hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor

Abstract

This study presents a simple hydrothermal synthesis method for preparing CoSe2, ZnS, and their nanohybrid combinations (ZnS-70 % CoSe2 and ZnS-50 % CoSe2, referred to as ZC-1 and ZC-2) for the first time. These materials are intended for application in a supercapacitor (SC) and are synthesized through an ex-situ wet-chemical approach. The research thoroughly examines the electrochemical properties of as-prepared electrodes and how they relate to their structure and morphology to understand their charge storage mechanism better. The detailed characterization reveals that a one-step hydrothermal reaction obtains the cubic crystal structure of the ZnS with microsphere morphology, and the CoSe2 presents a snow crystals-like morphology with a highly smooth and transparent surface appearance. The systematic electrochemical examination declares the typical pseudocapacitive charge storage response owing to fast Faradaic redox reactions with good reversibility and rate capability. Notably, a high capacitance of CoSe2-ZnS nanohybrid (denoted as ZC-2) is realized by the synergistic effect between ZnS and CoSe2 supported by the impedance, cyclic voltammetry, and charge/discharge studies. High specific energy with a power of 46.71 Wh/kg (899.21 W/kg) and 9 Wh/kg (5400 W/kg) is realized by adding an optimal voltage and capacitance simultaneously by fabricating a hybrid asymmetric HASCs (ZC-2||AC HASC) in aqueous solution. This study believes that metal sulfide and selenide-based nanohybrids can be effective candidates for competing in the growing electrochemical energy storage demand.