3D Hierarchical MoS2 Superstructures from Mimicked Embryos for Li Batteries

Abstract

3D hierarchical MoS2 superstructures, which are mainly manufactured from hard-, soft- and self-templates, exhibit highly enhanced performance in storing energy, compared to 2D MoS2 nanosheets [1-7]. Recently, a mimicked embryo strategy that involves tuning the structures of micromicelle with CTAB at interface of oil and water phase has been developed for producing 3D MoS2 superspheres in our group successfully [8]. A series of 3D MoS2 superstructures can be produced by carefully adjusting the reaction parameters in one-pot. It is found that 2D MoS2 nanosheets with expanded d-spacings, O-dopants and vacancies can be also assembled into 3D superstructures from mimicked embryos. The phase of 2D MoS2 nanosheets can be also tuned efficiently by annealing the materials. The novel approach offers a versatile pathway to not only control the growths of 3D superstructures composed of 2D MoS2 nanosheets, but also tailor their microstructures. The 3D hierarchical materials, which facilitate electron and ion transportation, have been applied to construct advanced electrodes for Li batteries with superior rate and cycling stability, after coated with carbon layers or graphene nanosheets. The effects of 3D MoS2 superstructures on their electrochemical performance demonstrate that the energy storage devices can be optimized efficiently through tailoring the micro- and nanostructures of the electrode materials.