Layered MoS2/PPy nanotube composites with enhanced performance for supercapacitors

Using polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes as the substrate, the layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets were wrapped on PPy nanotubes to form MoS2/PPy nanocomposites by a hydrothermal reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that MoS2 nanosheets coated uniformly on the surface of PPy nanotubes owing to the electrostatic force. The specific capacitance of the MoS2/PPy nanocomposites was high up to 307.5 F g−1, much higher than that of the pure PPy with specific capacitance of 106.3 F g−1 and MoS2 with specific capacitance of 138.5 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 in 1 M KCl electrolyte. And the special structure of MoS2/PPy nanocomposites electrode reduces the deformation during the charge–discharge process and thus improves the rate stability and electrochemical cycling stability of the electrode significantly. The specific capacitance retains 96.47 % after 1000 charge–discharge processes which provides potential as supercapacitors.