Nanoarchitectonics of MoS₂ petals with 0D@2D carbon derivatives for integrated photocapacitor application

Photocapacitors are a breakthrough in energy storage and generation, storing and generating solar energy in several ways. Sustainable technology and satisfying the energy needs of a rapidly changing planet depend on their progress. A hydrothermal technique was used to synthesize carbon quantum dots-ornamental MoS₂ nanopetals on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). XRD, Raman, and XPS validated the hybrid nanomaterial's phase purity, composition, and oxidation state. Morphological research showed MoS₂ nanopetals producing a flower-like structure with evenly dispersed carbon quantum dots on a thin, twisted sheet. As a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), this hybrid material increased efficiency by 6.7 % and photovoltaic characteristics. An asymmetric supercapacitor made from the hybrid material and activated carbon had 166.6 F/g specific capacitance at 5 mV/s and 81.5 % capacitance retention after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. The combined photocapacitor device, combining DSSC and supercapacitor, obtained 4.4 % overall efficiency and 34 % storage efficiency. The MoS₂ nanopetals-based electrode shows promise for photocapacitor applications, potentially improving future flexible and wearable technologies.