<p>Amid the intensifying global energy crisis and environmental pollution, the development of novel and efficient energy storage systems has become increasingly crucial. Supercapacitors, knowing for their high power density, long cycle life, and rapid charge–discharge capabilities, have attracted considerable interest. Vanadium tetrasulfide (VS₄), with its unique electronic structure and chemical stability, is considered as an extremely promising material. In this study, VS₄ was synthesized via a one-step surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method, and the synthesis conditions were systematically explored and optimized to enhance its electrochemical performance. The optimized VS₄ delivered a specific capacitance of 256 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ and retained 76.2% of its initial capacitance after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. Thus, it demonstrates significant potential for practical applications in the realm of supercapacitors.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>