Self-assembling few-layer MoS2 nanosheets on a CNT backbone for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

We demonstrate the self-assembly of few-layer MoS₂ nanosheets on a CNT backbone via a facile hydrothermal reaction with a subsequent annealing process. In this structure, the few-layer MoS₂ nanosheets with controllable contents are alternately and vertically grown on the surface of CNTs, forming a three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructure. The optimized MoS₂/CNTs hybrids could be applied as a fascinating anode material for high-rate and long cycle life lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Compared with the commercial MoS₂ (716 mA h g⁻¹), the as-prepared MoS₂/CNTs hybrids exhibit a much higher specific capacity of 1293 mA h g⁻¹ at 200 mA g⁻¹ with remarkably enhanced rate capability (888 mA h g⁻¹ even at 3200 mA g⁻¹). More significantly, we find that the MoS₂/CNTs hybrids show no capacity fading after 200 cycles at 400 mA g⁻¹. As for MoS₂-based anode materials, such overwhelming electrochemical performance endows the present MoS₂/CNTs hybrids with huge potential for developing LIBs.