Synthesis of polyaniline/2-dimensional graphene analog MoS2 composites for high-performance supercapacitor

We report a facile strategy to synthesize polyaniline/molybdenum disulfide (PANI/MoS2) nanocomposite by in situ polymerization to achieve excellent electrochemical properties for application as supercapacitor electrodes. MoS2 nanocomposite with graphene-like subunits structure is prepared by a hydrothermal method and serves as an excellent 2D conductive skeleton that supports a highly electrolytic accessible surface area of redox-active PANI and provides a direct path for electrons. The layered nanostructure of PANI/MoS2 composites provides a larger contact surface area for the intercalation/deintercalation of protons into/out of active materials and shortens the path length for electrolyte ion transport. The structure of the composite is characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and the electrochemical performances of the composites are evaluated by cyclic voltammogram and galvanostatic charge-discharge. The maximum specific capacitance of 575 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 is observed at the PANI/MoS2 electrodes. The energy density of 265 W h kg−1 is obtained at a power density of 18.0 kW kg−1. In addition, the PANI/MoS2 composite electrode shows excellent long-term cyclic stability (less than 2% decrease in specific capacitance after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1), indicating a positive synergistic effect of MoS2 and PANI for the improvement of electrochemical performance.