Abstract:
Cobalt sulphide (Co9S8) nanoparticles clusters embedded in activated graphene foam (AGF)
structure were prepared using microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Morphological
characterization of as-prepared Co9S8/AGF showed that Co9S8 composed of cluster (sphere)-like
nanoparticles embedded in the matrix of a porous sheet-like AGF. The synergy between the
Co9S8 nanoparticles and AGF in the Co9S8/AGF composite showed predominantly an
improvement in the porous nature (surface area and pore volume) of the Co9S8 and the
electrical conductivity of the composite electrode. The composite exhibited a specific
capacitance of 1150 F g-1 as compared to Co9S8 with specific capacitance of 507 F g-1 at a scan
rate of 5 mV s-1 and good cycling stability in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Co9S8/AGF composite showed
significant improvement on the specific capacitance compared to pure Co9S8 and specific
capacitance values found in previously published reports by other studies for cobalt sulphidebased
composites.
