Two birds with one stone: facile fabrication of an iron–cobalt bimetallic sulfide nanosheet-assembled nanosphere for efficient energy storage and hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Transition metal sulfides are widely regarded as the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. Herein, we utilized a straightforward electrodeposition method to prepare an iron–cobalt bimetallic sulfide nanosheet-assembled nanosphere on nickel foam (FeCo₂S₄/NF). The synergistic effect between bimetals and the unique three-dimensional structure significantly improved its capacitive performance. As a result, it demonstrated a remarkable specific capacitance, brilliant long-term stability and acceptable rate capability. Moreover, FeCo₂S₄/NF and active carbon (AC) were used to assemble an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), and FeCo₂S₄//AC displays a maximum energy density of 29.4 W h kg⁻¹ at 800 W kg⁻¹. Moreover, when adopted as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), FeCo₂S₄/NF exhibited excellent catalytic properties (η₁₀ = 165 mV). Our research provides a valuable insight into the multidisciplinary integration of high-performance energy materials.