Flexible Ni-Foam-Based Electrode with Novel MoS2/NiO Nanocomposite for Superior Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Abstract In the present work a simple and effective hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize a nanocomposite of nickel oxide and molybdenum disulphide. Structural and optical characterizations of the as-synthesised MoS2/NiO nanocomposite nanoparticles were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. The major peaks of MoS2 and NiO were detected in XRD, confirming the formation of composite. The reduced band gap 2.84 eV of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite as compared to pure NiO with 3.1 eV bandgap indicates a blue shift. Surface morphology of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite was measured using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, showing sheet-like structure with fine particle over laid on them. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine the processes of charge transfer in between electrodes, diffusion of molecules and ions within the electrolyte solution , and ion adsorption on an surface of electrode. The as-prepared composite shows enhanced specific capacitance of 246 F/g at scan rate of 20 mV/sec which was more than both base materials in pristine form. EIS results thus obtained may give a new direction for supercapacitor applications with the as-synthesized sample.