Synthesis of hierarchical molybdenum disulfide microplates consisting of numerous crosslinked nanosheets for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Hierarchical MoS2 microplates, consisting of numerous crosslinked nanosheets, are successfully synthesized using a self-sacrificial template method. MoO3 microplates (synthesized using a solution method) are used as the self-sacrificial template in the solvent thermal sulfidation process, resulting in the formation of MoS2 microplates. The resulting hierarchical structure possesses numerous active sites and a large surface area. As an anode material for LIBs, the hierarchical MoS2 microplates, both before and after the thermal treatment, demonstrate reversible and high capacity, and good rate capability. In addition, the energy storage performance of the MoS2 microplates is found to be significantly improved after thermal treatment. The annealed MoS2 microplates deliver a high specific capacity of 1220.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and a high capacity retention of 84.8% (of the initial capacity) over 130 cycles. The high capacity and good rate capability suggest that the as-prepared hierarchical MoS2 microplates are a promising anode material for LIBs.