WS2/Conducting polymer nanocomposite-based flexible and binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

Abstract

WS2 has attracted considerable research attention as an exceptional electrode material for energy storage applications. Herein, we report the synthesis and electrochemical performance of WS2/conducting polymer-based binary nanocomposites. WS2 nanosheets are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. The surface modification of the nanosheets with Polypyrrole (PPy) and Polyaniline (PANI) by an in-situ oxidative polymerization technique results in the formation of WS2/PPy and WS2/PANI nanocomposites. Symmetric supercapacitors have been fabricated using WS2/PPy and WS2/PANI nanocomposite electrodes. Electrochemical performance studies conducted in symmetric two-electrode configuration demonstrate that at 1 Ag−1 the WS2/PANI electrode achieves a specific capacitance of 560 Fg−1, outperforming both WS2/PPy (400 Fg−1) and pure WS2 (130 Fg−1) supercapacitors. Additionally, the WS2/PANI symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a specific energy of 50 Wh kg−1 at a specific power of 0.8 kW kg−1. The WS2/PANI and WS2/PPy electrode materials demonstrate a capacitance retention of 93 % and 90 % respectively after 10,000 consecutive GCD cycles. This research underscores the potential of WS2-polymer nanocomposites as effective electrode materials for supercapacitors.