Hierarchical copper indium sulfide and MXene composites: Synergistic effects for enhanced lithium-ion battery performance and photocatalytic hydrogen production

초록

One of the major obstacles to meeting the needs of the global energy and environmental sectors is the creation of multipurpose materials for sustainable energy technologies. Copper indium sulfide (CuInS2, CIS), a visible-lightresponsive semiconductor, holds promise for photocatalysis and energy storage, but its practical application is limited by poor conductivity and rapid charge recombination. Recent studies highlight the synergistic benefits of combining semiconductors with 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) to improve charge separation and transport. While MXene/metal-sulfide composites have been explored for individual applications such as supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, and batteries few studies have evaluated their dual-functionality in both lithium-ion storage and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of a CIS/Ti3C2 (CIS/MXene) hybrid and demonstrate its bifunctional performance. Structural and morphological analyses revealed a unique 2D flower-like architecture that enhances ion transport and light absorption. The CIS/ MXene composite achieved a hydrogen evolution rate of 147.8 mu mol/g/h surpassing pure CIS due to improved light harvesting and favorable band alignment. In LIB testing, it delivered an initial capacity of 933.82 mAh/g and retained 115.02 mAh/g after 500 cycles, outperforming the 70.01 mAh/g of pure CIS. These findings underscore MXene's dual role in boosting CIS's photocatalytic and electrochemical properties, offering a promising strategy for integrated energy storage and hydrogen production systems.

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