Heterogeneous dual-wrapped architecture of hollow SiOx/MoS2-CNTs nanohybrids as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

SiOx is proposed as one of the most promising high-performance anodes for its favorable capacity and stable lithium insertion/extraction electric potential, however its effective commercial application still faces giant challenge. To overcome poor electrical conductivity and huge volume effect of silicon oxide-based material, we adopt a valid strategy to synthesis the SiOx nanosphere double-wrapped by MoS2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as anode material. The influences of MoS2 and CNTs on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performances of nanohybrid are probed detailly by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and charge-discharge measurements. The results show that as-prepared nanohybrids release a steady reversible capacity of 798mAhg−1 with high capacity retention of 81.4% at 500mAg−1 after 300cycles. The outstanding electrochemical properties can be ascribed to the facts that the hollow mesoporous structure affords ample buffer space and the introduction of MoS2 with a two-dimensional layered structure can provide more exposed active-sites for lithium adsorption, as well as the CNTs wrapping can form a favorable conductivity matrix, endowing the nanocomposites with great structural stability. Accordingly, this new structure design by means of a heterogeneous dual-wrapped architecture develops a significant strategy for the development of high-performance SiOx-based anode materials.