Integration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with MoS2/BiFeO3: a hybrid matrix for high-energy asymmetric supercapacitors

Abstract

Perovskite-structured bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃, BFO) possesses considerable promise as a pseudocapacitive material due to its enhanced theoretical capacitance. Nevertheless, its use is constrained by low electrical conductance and limited ion diffusion rates. To address these challenges, a ternary nanomaterial was constructed by integrating bismuth ferrite (BFO) with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, resulting in a BiFeO₃/MoS₂@MWCNT hybrid electrode architecture specifically engineered for asymmetric supercapacitor devices. The inclusion of MoS₂ introduces numerous reactive sites for faradaic processes, while MWCNTs enhance the overall conductive and architectural properties of the hybrid matrix. Electrochemical testing revealed that the composite electrode achieves a specific capacitance of 1765 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ while exhibiting consistent performance across multiple scan rates. Assembled into a full ASC device using AC as the anode, the system delivers an impressive specific energy of 65.7 Wh kg⁻¹ at the rate of 802.7 W kg⁻¹. Moreover, a retention of 96.7% was observed after 10 k cycles. The superior electrochemical behaviour is owing to the combined effect of BiFeO₃, MoS₂, and MWCNTs, facilitating efficient charge transfer and stable ion transport pathways. This investigation reveals a promising technique for designing advanced composite electrodes for high-efficiency energy storage applications.