Vertically aligned MoS₂ nanosheets on monodisperse MXene as electrolyte-philic cathodes for zinc ion batteries with...

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attention for their high safety and environmentally friendly nature, and considerable theoretical capacities. Due to its unique two-dimensional layered structure and high theoretical specific capacities, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) presents as a promising cathode material for ZIBs. Nevertheless, the low electrical conductivity and poor hydrophilicity of MoS₂ limits its wide application in ZIBs. In this work, MoS₂/Ti₃C₂T_x composites are effectively constructed using a one-step hydrothermal method, where two-dimensional MoS₂ nanosheets are vertically grown on monodisperse Ti₃C₂T_x MXene layers. Contributing to the high ionic conductivity and good hydrophilicity of Ti₃C₂T_x, MoS₂/Ti₃C₂T_x composites possess improved electrolyte-philic and conductive properties, leading to a reduced volume expansion effect of MoS₂ and accelerated Zn²⁺ reaction kinetics. As a result, MoS₂/Ti₃C₂T_x composites exhibit high voltage (1.6 V) and excellent discharge specific capacity of 277.8 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1, as well as cycle stability as cathode materials for ZIBs. This work provides an effective strategy for developing cathode materials with high specific capacity and stable structure.