Hydrothermal synthesis of ultrathin WS2 nanosheets as anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this study, ultrathin WS2 nanosheets with an average thickness of about 10 nm were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Their electrochemical properties were systematically investigated by various electrochemical testing techniques, and the morphology and structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When applied as anode for sodium ion batteries, ultrathin WS2 nanosheets exhibit an impressive high-rate capability and good cyclic stability, a reversible capacity of 250 mAh g-1 after the following cycling test of 100 cycles is still achieved at 100 mA g-1. The excellent rate performance and cycling stability are attributed to better electronic conductivity and well-developed layered structure.