Piezoelectric performance of monolayer molybdenum disulfide carbon nanogenerator

Abstract

Smart sensing devices with high reliability and self-powering features are critical for future-generation wearable applications. In this study, a MoS2–carbon nanofiber (CNF) piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) was fabricated using MoS2 nanocrystals. The fabricated MoS2–CNFs device was used as a sensor for harvesting diverse deformation energies, demonstrating its high potential as an actuating and sensing material. The microstructure and morphology of the MoS2–CNFs were examined via X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These investigations confirmed the successful synthesis of monolayer MoS2 nanocrystalline structure with a size of 6 nm and uniform distribution. Further, the presence of monolayer MoS2 nanocrystalline structure enhanced the conductivity of CNFs, thereby improving its self-powering functionality and piezoelectric properties. The MoS2–CNFs composite achieved a maximum output voltage amplitude of 850 mV under applied bending deformation. This research offers a new approach for developing piezoelectric nanofibrous devices and energy-harvesting systems.