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.