A robust free-standing MoS2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) film for supercapacitor applications

•A robust free-standing MoS2/PEDOT:PSS film has been prepared via a simple vacuum filtration method.•MoS2/PEDOT hybrid film displays remarkably improved mechanical robustness and flexibility.•MoS2/PEDOT electrode exhibits high volumetric capacitance and good cycling stability in aqueous electrolyte.•Flexible MoS2/PEDOT electrode can retain its capacitive performance over 1000 bending cycles in an all-solid-state supercapacitor.

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising energy storage material due to its high surface area and unique electronic structure. Free-standing flexible MoS2-based electrode is of importance for use in flexible energy storage devices, whereas there are limited reports available. In this work we developed a robust hybrid film, MoS2 incorporated with highly conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate). This free-standing film possesses excellent mechanical properties with a fracture strength of 18.0 MPa and a Young's modulus of 2.0 GPa. It can deliver a large volumetric capacitance of 141.4 F cm−3, a high volumetric energy density of 4.9 mWh cm−3, and a capacitance retention rate of 98.6% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. This film has demonstrated its application in an all-solid-state bendable supercapacitor as well.

Graphical abstractMoS2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid film with high robustness and flexibility demonstrated an excellent capacitive performance in the form of an all-solid-state supercapacitor.Download high-res image (109KB)Download full-size image