Synthesis and physical characterization of CuS-graphene oxide nanocomposite materials*

Supercapacitors or electrochemical capacitors are receiving greater interest because of their high power density, long life, and low maintenance. Copper Sulfide (CuS) and CuS/GO are inexpensive, and have been shown to be promising in the development of high capacity supercapacitors. We have synthesized CuS materials by dissolving copper acetate in a water-butanol solution followed by addition of thiouria, which was dissolved after 30 minutes of stirring.  The appropriate quantity of graphene oxide (GO) was then added, and the solution was stirred for another 15 minutes. The resulting solution was placed in an autoclave at 180oC for 24 hours. The precipitated CuS and CuS/GO material was collected using a centrifuge and then dried in an oven for 24 hours. A number of characterization techniques were then employed. The phase purity of each material was determined using XRD studies. Thermal behavior/phase transitions were observed using DSC/TGA. Band-gap was determined by UV/Vis spectroscopic studies. TEM images revealed nano-scale morphology of the synthesized particles. The detailed results will be presented at the APS New England section’s October 2018 meeting.