3D tremella-like nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulated few-layer MoS₂ for lithium-ion batteries

MoS₂ is regarded as an attractive anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its layered structure and high theoretical specific capacity. Its unsatisfied conductivity and the considerable volume change during the charge and discharge process, however, limits its rate performance and cycling stability. Herein, 3D tremella-like nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulated few-layer MoS₂ (MoS₂@NC) hybrid is obtained via a unique strategy with simultaneously poly-dopamine carbonization, and molybdenum oxide specifies sulfurization. The three-dimensional porous nitrogen-doped carbon served both as a mechanical supporting structure for stabilization of few-layers MoS₂ and a good electron conductor. The MoS₂@NC exhibits enhanced high rate performance with a specific capacity of 208.7 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 10 A g^-1 and stable cycling performance with a capacity retention rate of 85.7% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g^-1.