Electrochemical kinetics of 2D-MoS2 sputtered over stainless-steel mesh: Insights into the Na+ ions storage for flexible supercapacitors.

Direct growth of layered MoS 2 nanoworms on low-cost bendable SSM has been physically achieved for flexible supercapacitor utilization. The homogeneously grown MoS 2 @SSM electrode demonstrates several electroactive cavities, facilitating the swift diffusion and additional pathways for Na+-ion intercalation. The structural and morphological features of MoS 2 thin film grown at optimized substrate temperature (300 °C) revealed the formation of the porous array of intermixed nanoworms. The advanced electrode delivers a specific capacitance of 214.90 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The specific energy of 28.05 Wh/kg is obtained at 0.26 kW/kg, further elucidating the rich electrochemical response. A wide voltage window of 1.2 V with elongated cycling (retains ∼88% capacitance after 3000 cycles) has been achieved by MoS 2 @SSM electrode (dimensions 1 × 1 cm2). Moreover, Dunn's technique has gauged the origin of dual contribution in charge storage mechanism and considerable dominance of capacitive contribution over faradic one. The synthesized electrode has been investigated at a bending angle of 180° (retains ∼92%), signifying better mechanical stability and pliability. As practical applicability in the flexible supercapacitor, the contemporary route yields a cathode of enormous potential, which may enable new possibilities in wearable hands-on electronics and demonstrate a framework to manifest its real practical application. [Display omitted] • MoS 2 nanoworms prepared on flexible stainless-steel mesh (SSM) by magnetron sputtering route. • An optimum deposition temperature of 2H-molybdenum disulfide has been found. • Multilayer porous structure of MoS 2 accelerates intercalation of Na + ions. • Dunn's method segregates ∼91% capacitive contribution attributed to electroactive sites and conductive SSM skeleton. • MoS 2 @SSM electrode shows larger supercapacitive improvement with ∼92% retentivity at mechanical bending by a 180° angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]