A polymer-direct-intercalation strategy for MoS 2 /carbon-derived heteroaerogels with ultrahigh pseudocapacitance.

The intercalation strategy has become crucial for 2D layered materials to achieve desirable properties, however, the intercalated guests are often limited to metal ions or small molecules. Here, we develop a simple, mild and efficient polymer-direct-intercalation strategy that different polymers (polyethyleneimine and polyethylene glycol) can directly intercalate into the MoS ₂ interlayers, forming MoS ² -polymer composites and interlayer-expanded MoS ₂ /carbon heteroaerogels after carbonization. The polymer-direct-intercalation behavior has been investigated by substantial characterizations and molecular dynamic calculations. The resulting composite heteroaerogels possess 3D conductive MoS ₂ /C frameworks, expanded MoS ₂ interlayers (0.98 nm), high MoS ₂ contents (up to 74%) and high Mo valence (+6), beneficial to fast and stable charge transport and enhanced pseudocapacitive energy storage. Consequently, the typical MoS ₂ /N-doped carbon heteroaerogels exhibit outstanding supercapacitor performance, such as ultrahigh capacitance, remarkable rate capability and excellent cycling stability. This study offers a new intercalation strategy which may be generally applicable to 2D materials for promising energy applications.