Ionic Liquid-Assisted Hydrothermal Method Synthesis of Flower-Like MoS2 and Their Electrochemical Performances

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was prepared successfully via hydrothermal reaction at 200 degrees C in water/ethanol (1:1) solvent system using the ammonium molybdate and sodium thiosulfate as the molybdenum sources and sulfur sources, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride salt [BMIM][Cl] as the additive agent. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the morphology and structure of flower-like products. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy spectrum analysis results show that the as-prepared product is a pure phase of MoS2. The prepared products are used as electrode materials for Li-ion batteries and showed excellent cycle stability and high Coulombic efficiency at a current density of 200 mA x g(-1) in the voltage range of 0.01 - 3.00 V (vs. Li/Li+). In addition, this paper also examined the influence of the reaction time and the amount of template agent on morphology, and discussed the reaction mechanism of the formation of flower-like morphology.