Enhanced Performance of WS2/Polythiophene Composite as a Positive Electrode in Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries

This research investigates the synthesis and performance characteristics of a composite material composed of tungsten disulfide (WS2) and polythiophene (PTh) within a triethylamine hydrochloride (TEA) electrolyte. The synthesis process initiates with the combination of exfoliated WS2 and PTh in predetermined ratios, followed by sonication in isopropanol to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. Subsequently, the mixture undergoes centrifugation to eliminate any residual solvent and unbound particles, yielding a stable composite. The electrochemical performance is evaluated through galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) testing, which reveals a coulombic efficiency exceeding 95% and a capacity of 150 mAh/g, underscoring its robust energy storage capabilities. The composite is subjected to 100 charge-discharge cycles to assess its stability. The study emphasizes the roles of WS2 and PTh in enhancing the material's performance, with WS2 significantly contributing to improved capacity and efficiency. These results indicate a promising potential for the composite in energy storage applications.