Hierarchical MoS₂ /Carbon Composite Microspheres as Advanced Anodes for Lithium/Sodium-Ion Batteries

It is crucial to design advanced electrodes with large Li/Na-ion storage capacities for the development of next-generation battery systems. Herein, hierarchical MoS₂ /C composite microspheres were constructed by facile template-free self-assembly sulfurization plus post-carbonization. Cross-linked MoS₂ nanosheets and outer carbon layer are organically combined together to form composite microspheres with diameters of 400-500 nm. Due to enhanced electrical conductivity and good structural stability, the MoS₂ /C composite microspheres exhibit substantially improved Li/Na-ion storage performance. Compared to unmodified MoS₂ , MoS₂ /C composite microspheres deliver higher Li/Na-ion storage capacity (Li⁺ : 1017 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 and Na⁺ : 531 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 ), as well as better rate capability (Li⁺ : 434 mA h g^-1 at 1 Ag^-1 and Na⁺ : 102 mA h g^-1 at 1 Ag^-1 ) and capacity retention (Li⁺ : 902 mA h g^-1 after 200 cycles and Na⁺ : 342 mA h g^-1 over 100 cycles). The superior Li/Na-ion storage performance is mainly attributed to the unique porous microsphere architecture with increased electrode/electrolyte interfaces and more diffusion paths for Li/Na ion insertion. Additionally, the carbon coating can not only improve the electronic conductivity, but also suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides.