Metal-cation-directed self-assembly of hierarchical MoS2 nanotubes as high-performance anode for Na-ion batteries

Abstract

Engineering MoS2 microstructure plays an important role in boosting its Na-ion storage performance. Herein, we demonstrate a metal-cation-directed self-assembly of hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes, where MoO3 nanorods have been applied as Mo sources and self-sacrificing template. Meanwhile, the metal cations can cause the generation of abundant metallic phase (1T) MoS2, greatly expediting the electrons transfer. Moreover, a high ions conductivity is also obtained with rapid reaction kinetics in view of its hierarchical hollow nanostructure. Exemplified for Co-ion, the Co-MoS2 nanotubes deliver a high sodium storage capacity of 510 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 415 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 within 0.4–3 V. The nanotube is well-maintained with no obvious capacity decay after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. This finding provides a viable pathway to construct hollow MoS2 nanostructures with high content of 1T phase and can also potentially be suitable for other transition metal sulfides.