A novel metal coordination-assisted sol–gel method is developed for the synthesis of nanostructures with different architectures, such as nanoparticle- and nanowire-based aerogels. The synergistic effect of composition-derived properties (Co-S or Zn-Co-S) and structure-derived properties (zero-dimensional or one-dimensional) on the energy storage capacity was explored by controlling the molar ratio of Zn/Co and architecture of the nanostructures. The one-dimensional Zn-Co-S aerogel (Zn/Co = 0.4) exhibited a high specific capacitance (820.2 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹), high-rate capability (61.1%), and outstanding cyclic stability (96%) after 10,000 cycles. When applied in an asymmetric supercapacitor device, it demonstrated an outstanding energy density of 47.4 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 685.7 W kg⁻¹ and ultrahigh cyclic performance of 93.8% after 10,000 cycles. Compared with the conventional zero-dimensional aerogel, the nanowire-based aerogel structure offers a shorter pathway for electrons and ions, with similar zinc ion content, resulting in a higher electrical conductivity. Consequently, it effectively demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance as a supercapacitor. The proposed strategy can promote research on the dimensional control of aerogel systems and facilitate the design of other ternary transition-metal-sulfide-based aerogels for use in modern energy devices.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.145875