3D MoS ₂ /rGO Hybrid Cathodes with Interconnected Conductive Networks for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Owing to their inherent safety attributes, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are progressively recognized as highly promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies. Despite molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) having surfaced as a viable electrode material, its real-world utilization remains constrained by sluggish ion diffusion processes and restricted specific capacity. Given their outstanding electrical conductivity and expansive specific surface area, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets offer an exceptional supporting framework for MoS₂. The integration of rGO as a conductive carbon framework not only significantly enhances both electronic and ionic conductivity, but also efficiently alleviates the structural volume alterations that MoS₂ undergoes throughout the cycling process, thereby enhancing electrochemical stability. In this research, MoS₂/rGO composite cathode materials were fabricated utilizing a single-step hydrothermal synthesis approach. The optimal composition was identified through systematically varying the GO content followed by comprehensive characterization. Electrochemical evaluations reveal that the optimized MoS₂/rGO composite displays enhanced performance, delivering a specific discharge capacity of 210.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹. Notably, this electrode sustains an impressive capacity retention rate of 86.3% even after undergoing 1000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. The exceptional rate performance and cycling durability exhibited thereby highlight the promising prospects of the MoS₂/rGO composite for application in advanced and long-lasting aqueous energy storage devices.