In situ growth of 3D nano-array architecture Bi2S3/nickel foam assembled by interwoven nanosheets electrodes for hybrid supercapacitor

Abstract

Transition metal sulfides have been regarded as significant candidates of battery-type electrode materials for high-performance hybrid supercapatteries (HSC). Bi₂S₃/nickel foam (NF) integrated electrodes are fabricated by adjusting the molar ratio of thiourea to bismuth nitrate and the hydrothermal reaction temperature by a simple template-free hydrothermal method via in-situ growth of Bi₂S₃ on nickel foam. The optimal Bi₂S₃/NF-8-120 electrode presents unique three-dimensional (3D) nano-array architecture assembled by interwoven nanosheets, which could provide abundant accessible channels for electrolyte ion diffusion. The Bi₂S₃/NF-8-120, as binder-free electrode, exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacity (652 mAh/g at 1 A/g), prominent rate capability (372 mAh/g at 32 A/g), and excellent cycle stability (90.1% retention after 1000 cycles). The HSC delivered an energy density of 115.6 Wh/kg at a power density of 550 W/kg and 105.9 Wh/kg at 16500 W/kg. Moreover, the HSC exhibits excellent cycling stability with a specific capacitance retention of 96.4% after 1000 cycles, indicating applicable potential of the Bi₂S₃/NF-8-120 electrode for HSCs.