VS4–NiAl LDH composite electrodes for next-generation high-performance supercapacitors

Abstract

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly vanadium tetrasulfide (VS₄), have demonstrated potential for versatile applications in photochemical, electrochemical, energy harvesting, and energy storage applications over a period of time owing to their unique structural and redox properties. In this study, VS₄ was integrated with nickel aluminium layered double hydroxide (LDH) at varying concentrations (2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 7.5 wt%) via a hydrothermal approach to enhance its capacitive performance. Among the composites, VS₄ + LDH(5%) exhibited superior electrochemical characteristics with a high specific capacitance of 740 F g⁻¹ at 0.4 A g⁻¹ in 3 M KOH. Furthermore, a symmetric supercapacitor device fabricated using this composition delivered an energy density of 6.65 W h kg⁻¹, yielding a suitable power density of 598.5 W kg⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ applied within an operating potential window of 1.2 V. For the validation of the practical application of the SC device, we powered small electronic devices, underscoring the potential of VS₄ + LDH composites as an active and viable electrode material for advanced supercapacitors, bridging the gap between novel material designs and real-world applications.