Influence of Precursors on Physical Characteristics of MoS2 and Their Correlation with Potential Electrochemical Applications

MoS₂, a key material for supercapacitors, batteries, photovoltaics, catalysis, and sensing applications, was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Different precursors such as molybdenum sources (ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate ((NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4H₂O) and sodium molybdate hydrate (Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O)) combined with L-cysteine, thiourea, and thioacetamide, as the sulfur source, were involved. The obtained samples were morphologically and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption/desorption measurements, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was involved in MoS₂ characterization as electrode materials. The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of precursor combinations on the morphological, structural, and electrochemical characteristics of MoS₂. A thorough examination of the empirical data revealed that the MoS₂ compounds, which were synthesized using thiourea as the sulfur source, exhibited a more pronounced flower-like morphology, increased crystallite size, and enhanced electrochemical properties with potential electrochemical applications.