Hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical nanocomposite assembled by Bi₂S₃ nanorods and MoS₂ nanosheets with improved electrochemical performance

A novel and unique MoS₂ nanosheets-coated Bi₂S₃ nanorods composite was successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and morphology of MoS₂/Bi₂S₃ nanocomposite were confirmed by X-ray diffraction photoelectron spectroscopy, laser Raman mapping, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Bi₂S₃ nanorods are uniform with an average length of about 200 nm, and MoS₂ nanosheets are closely attached to Bi₂S₃ nanorods. The electrochemical performance of MoS₂/Bi₂S₃ nanocomposite was characterized by a conventional three-electrode test in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution. The as-prepared MoS₂/Bi₂S₃ electrode exhibits rapid electron transfer, long-time cycle stability, high specific capacitance of about 120.2 F g⁻¹ (at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹) and long-term cycling stability with nearly 87.7% capacity retention after 2000 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance should be attributed to the synergistic effect of Bi₂S₃ nanorods and MoS₂ nanosheets. The MoS₂/Bi₂S₃ nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical performance will have promising application in supercapacitor electrode materials.