A Simple Hydrothermal Synthesis of Cadmium Sulfide Wrapped on Graphene Nanocomposite for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Supercapacitor with high specific capacity is desirable for various energy storage and high powerdensity applications. Though Graphene has been the preferred material for high current density, nanocomposites have been attempted to increase the specific capacitance. Hydrothermal synthesis of cadmium sulfide/graphene (CdS/G) nanocomposite with CdS nanoparticles anchored/decorated over the graphene sheets is reported. The structural studies reveal the hexagonal phase of the prepared materials. The specific surface area (BET) and porosity is found to increase upon nanocomposite formation. The electrochemical characteristics such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), GCD and EIS of the CdS/G nanocomposite have been investigated. The capacitance of CdS/G nanocomposite almost doubled to 248 Fg−1 indicating the enhanced performance of the nanocomposite system and in addition it also showed excellent cycling stability of 74.8 percent after 1000 cycles. The supercapacitor investigated retained the initial energy density after charge-discharge, at 0.5 A/g for 1000 cycles. The graphene nanosheets increased the specific surface area and interfacial electron transfer of the composite material. It enhances the specific capacitance and cyclic stability of the supercapacitor device.