In-situ growth of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets on sponge-like carbon nanospheres for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Developing novel electrode materials for lithiumion batteries (LIBs) with rapid charge/discharge capability and high cycling stability remains a big challenge to date. Herein, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets in-situ grown on sponge-like carbon nanospheres by a simple diffusion-controlled process. The unique sponge-like carbon nanosphere core can be used as “reservoir” of electrolyte by adsorbing to shorten the iondiffusion path, and meanwhile as “elastomer” to alleviate the structural change of the MoS2 nanosheets during the charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, the vertical ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets with broadened interlayer space greatly enrich the electrochemical active sites. Consequently, the as-obtained MoS2/C nanospheres exhibit increased specific capacities at various rates with superior cycling stability compared to the MoS2/C floccules. It is reckoned that the present concept can be extended to other electrode materials for achieving highrate and stable LIBs.