Synthesis of a hierarchical MoSe2/C hybrid with enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

Abstract

A facile one-step hydrothermal strategy was successfully developed to fabricate a 3D hierarchical MoSe₂/C hybrid with triethylene glycol as a structure-directing agent and carbon source. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The experiment results indicate that the hierarchical porous MoSe₂/C hybrid is composed of numerous few-layered MoSe₂ nanosheets and amorphous carbon derived from the decomposition of the triethylene glycol. As a consequence, the obtained hierarchical MoSe₂/C electrode exhibited superior electrochemical supercapacitive performances such as high specific capacitance, excellent cyclic stability and significantly enhanced rate capability in comparison with the bare MoSe₂. The prominent electrochemical performance could be attributed to the robust hierarchical porous architectures with large surface areas and effective integration with conductive amorphous carbon.