Facile synthesis of hierarchical worm-like MoS2 structures assembled with nanosheets as anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Hierarchical worm-like MoS₂ structures directionally assembled with nanosheets are successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route using potassium sodium tartrate as a structure-directing agent. The possible growth mechanism of worm-like MoS₂ structures is proposed through controlling hydrothermal temperature, time and the amount of potassium sodium tartrate. The results indicate that potassium sodium tartrate plays important roles in formation of worm-like structures. The unique hierarchical structures as anodes for lithium-ion batteries display high specific capacity of 845 mA h g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹ and good cyclic stability of 698 mA h g⁻¹ even at high rate of 500 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the hierarchical surface, sufficient void space between neighboring nanosheets and unique worm-like structures. Besides, this work also provides a simple strategy to design and construct other structural materials, such as layered metal sulfides and oxides.