Synthesis and characterization of organic–inorganic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/MoS₂ nanocomposite via in situ oxidative polymerization

Here we demonstrate the synthesis of a new type of layered poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy- thiophene) (PEDOT)/MoS₂ nanocomposite via flocculation of delaminated MoS₂ with subsequent in situ oxidative polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and four-probe electrical conductivity measurements with respect to temperature. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the exfoliated MoS₂ and PEDOT are restacked to produce a novel nanoscale composite material containing alternate nanoribbons of PEDOT in between MoS₂ with a basal distance of ∼1.38 nm. The nanocomposite, which could be used as a cathode material for small power rechargeable lithium batteries, has also been demonstrated by the electrochemical insertion of lithium into the PEDOT/MoS₂ nanocomposite, where a significant enhancement in the discharge capacity is observed, compared to that of respective pristine molybdenum disulfide.