Synthesis, formation mechanism and supercapacitor performance of MoS2/Mo2C/C nanofibers.

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS 2)-based nanostructures are mostly studied materials as an electrode for electrochemical energy storage devices, in particular supercapacitors, because of their innate electrochemical characteristics. However, the commercialization of the MoS 2 -based electrodes is still bottlenecked. The engineered design of the material and their ternary hybrid structures are hoping to enhance their performance. In this work, we explain the process of in-situ formation of MoS 2 /Mo 2 C/C nanofibers, obtained through electrospinning followed by post-treatment and carbonization. The physical and chemical properties of the materials are thoroughly investigated using Raman Spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM and XRD. MoS 2 /Mo 2 C/C nanofiber hybrid exhibits a high specific (C sp) capacitance of 940 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, surpassing that of the MoS 2 nanofibers (425 F g−1) and carbon nanofiber (33 F g−1). The capacitive retention obtained for MoS 2 /Mo 2 C/C and MoS 2 nanofiber is 82% and 62% up to 5000 cycles. This in situ formation method provides an idea for improving the electrochemical performance of MoS 2 nanofiber for further application of supercapacitor. [Display omitted] • MoS 2 /Mo 2 C/C composite nanofibers was obtained through electrospinning technique followed by carbonization. • The electrochemical performance of the material was studied and the performance was compared with MoS 2 nanofiber. • Electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 940 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 with the retention of 82% over 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]