Inducing Directional Charge Delocalization in 3D-Printable Micro-Supercapacitors Based on Strongly Coupled Black...

The growing interest in so-called interface coupling strategies arises from their potential to enhance the performance of active electrode materials. Nevertheless, designing a robust coupled interface in nanocomposites for stable electrochemical processes remains a challenge. In this study, an epitaxial growth strategy is proposed by synthesizing sulfide rhenium (ReS₂) on exfoliated black phosphorus (E-BP) nanosheets, creating an abundance of robust interfacial linkages. Through spectroscopic analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the authors investigate the interfacial environment. The well-developed coupled interface and structural stability contribute to the impressive performance of the 3D-printed E-BP@ReS₂-based micro-supercapacitor, achieving a specific capacitance of 47.3 mF cm^-2 at 0.1 mA cm^-2 and demonstrating excellent long-term cyclability (89.2% over 2000 cycles). Furthermore, density functional theory calculations unveil the positive impact of the strongly coupled interface in the E-BP@ReS₂ nanocomposite on the adsorption of H⁺ ions, showcasing a significantly reduced adsorption energy of -2.17 eV. The strong coupling effect facilitates directional charge delocalization at the interface, enhancing the electrochemical performance of electrodes and resulting in the successful construction of advanced micro-supercapacitors.