1T-WS2/Graphene on activated carbon cloth as a flexible electrode for wearable supercapacitors

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD's) have recently attracted much interest as energy storage materials due to having a two-dimensional structure. Indeed, the trigonal phase has shown more beneficial characteristics owing to higher electrical conductivity. In this research, in a facile one-pot solvothermal method, tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) was synthesized on the activated carbon cloth (ACC) as an electrode for wearable supercapacitors. The active material was composited with graphene to increase the capacitive properties of this electrode. The formation of the trigonal phase (1T) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman Spectroscopy. First principle calculations were employed to study the interface of composite and surface energy of related planes. The synthesized nano-flower powder showed a substantial surface area of 761 m 2 /g. Electrochemical studies revealed that graphene has a beneficial impact on the electrode's charge storage and rate capabilities. Furthermore, remarkable areal capacitance of 2964 mF/cm 2 in Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte and 86% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles were achieved. • WS 2 /graphene was synthesized on activated carbon cloth via the solvothermal method. • 3D structure had a surface area of 761 m 2 /g, which was used as a supercapacitor electrode. • The flexible electrode delivered areal capacitance of 2964 mF/cm 2 at 4 mA/cm 2 . • Graphene increased the capacitance by 89% by increasing charge carrier density. • Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte provided better charge storage performance than LiCl and KOH.