Few-layer MoS₂ nanosheets vertically supported on Ti₃C₂-MXene sheets promoting lithium storage performance

2H phase MoS₂ with a two-dimensional nanostructure, high chemical stability and large theoretical capacity has been considered as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, some practical problems hinder the direct use of 2H-MoS₂ for lithium storage, such as its volume expansion effect that leads to capacity loss and its semiconductor properties that cannot provide sufficient conductivity. Herein, the surface of an MXene with abundant surface groups was modified with CTAB to promote its ability to adsorb MoO₄^2- anions, and then 2H-MoS₂ with a few layers was directly grown on the surface of MXene sheets vertically. Thanks to the conductive MXene sheets and the vertically-supported high-capacity MoS₂ on them, the as-obtained composite MXene@MoS₂ offers enhanced performance in specific capacity, long cycling stability and high rate capability. A reversible specific capacity of 1198 mA h g^-1 was retained after 100 cycles at 200 mA g^-1 and a specific capacity of 717 mA h g^-1 was exhibited at 8000 mA g^-1.