Preparation of three-dimensional nanosheet-based molybdenum disulfide nanotubes as anode materials for lithium storage

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanosheet-based MoS₂ nanotubes are synthesized via a self-sacrificial template method. The MoO₃ nanorods as self-sacrificial templates are directly converted into MoS₂ nanotubes through a solvothermal sulfidation reaction. The MoS₂ nanotubes which are in a diameter range of 250–400 nm are systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, etc. The conversion mechanism of MoS₂ nanotubes from MoO₃ nanorods is also demonstrated. The as-prepared MoS₂ hollow nanostructure anodes exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1035 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ over 130 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance suggests that the 3D hierarchical MoS₂ nanotubes can be promising candidate anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.