High-rate and high-energy-density lithium-ion battery anode containing 2D MoS₂ nanowall and cellulose binder

Electrochemically stable molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) with a two-dimensional nanowall structure is successfully prepared by a simple two-step synthesis method followed by thermal annealing at 700 °C in a reducing atmosphere. MoS₂ nanowalls provide a better electrochemical performance and stability when cellulose (CMC) binder is used instead of the usual PVDF. The electrodes exhibit a high specific discharge capacity of 880 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ without any capacity fading for over 50 cycles. The electrode also exhibits outstanding rate capability with a reversible capacity as high as 737 mA h g⁻¹ and 676 mA h g⁻¹ at rates of 500 mA g⁻¹ and 1000 mA g⁻¹ at 20 °C, respectively. The excellent electrochemical stability and high specific capacity of the nano structured materials are attributed to the two-dimensional nanowall morphology of MoS₂ and the use of cellulose binder. These results are the first of its kind to report a superior stability using bare MoS₂ as an active material and CMC as a binder.