Controlled synthesis of hollow C@TiO2@MoS2 hierarchical nanospheres for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this manuscript, we utilize a facile and efficient step-by-step strategy to synthesize three-layered C@TiO₂@MoS₂ hierarchical nanocomposites. These novel hybrids serve as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The designed structure, in which MoS₂ nanosheets are uniformly grown on TiO₂ coated carbon hollow spheres, can enhance the electrical conductivity of electrodes, shorten the diffusion length of Li⁺ ions, alleviate the expansion of electrode materials and provide more active sites for lithium ion storage. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the C@TiO₂@MoS₂ hierarchical nanocomposites exhibit a high initial specific capacity (1687 mA h g⁻¹) and good cycling performance (993.2 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹). Furthermore, the C@TiO₂@MoS₂ electrode exhibits high rate capacities of 963, 860, 806, 743, 703, 664 and 633 mA h g⁻¹ at different current densities of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mA h g⁻¹, respectively. The electrochemical performances stated above prove that the as-prepared C@TiO₂@MoS₂ nanocomposites can be promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.