Self-assembly of hierarchical MoS(x)/CNT nanocomposites (2<x<3): towards high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Two dimension (2D) layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) has emerged as a promising candidate for the anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, 2D MoS(x) (2 ≤ x ≤ 3) nanosheet-coated 1D multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites with hierarchical architecture were synthesized via a high-throughput solvent thermal method under low temperature at 200°C. The unique hierarchical nanostructures with MWNTs backbone and nanosheets of MoS(x) have significantly promoted the electrode performance in LIBs. Every single MoS(x) nanosheet interconnect to MWNTs centers with maximized exposed electrochemical active sites, which significantly enhance ion diffusion efficiency and accommodate volume expansion during the electrochemical reaction. A remarkably high specific capacity (i.e., > 1000 mAh/g) was achieved at the current density of 50 mA g(−1), which is much higher than theoretical numbers for either MWNTs or MoS(2 )along (~372 and ~670 mAh/g, respectively). We anticipate 2D nanosheets/1D MWNTs nanocomposites will be promising materials in new generation practical LIBs.