Electrochemical properties of PANI/MoS₂ nanosheet composite as an electrode materials

We report a facile strategy to synthesize poly-aniline/molybdenum disulfide (PANI/MoS₂) nano-composite by in situ chemical polymerization to achieve excellent electrochemical properties for application as super-capacitor electrodes. MoS₂ nano-composite is prepared by a hydrothermal method and serves as an excellent 2D conductive skeleton and provides a direct path for electrons. The layered nanostructure of PANI/MoS₂ composites provides a larger contact surface area for the intercalation of particles into/out of active materials and shortens the path length for electrolyte ion transport. The structure morphology is characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR. Structural and morphological analysis reveals conformation composite formation, increase in crystallinity and particle size increased with doping by rapping of PANI on MOS₂ surface. Excellent electrochemical performances of the samples are characterised and are evaluated by cyclic voltammogram, impedance and galvanostatic charge/discharge curve. The maximum specific capacitance of 453 F kg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹ is observed at the PANI-1%MoS₂ electrodes. The energy density of 69 Wh kg⁻¹ is obtained at a power density of 1380 W kg⁻¹, impedance decreased from 5 Ω (PANI) to 2 Ω (1%PANI/MoS₂) indicating a positive synergistic effect MoS₂ and PANI for the improvement of electrochemical performance.