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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• 2H phase Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its nanostructure, stability, and theoretical capacity.
• Challenges include volume expansion leading to capacity fade and poor conductivity due to its semiconductor nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a composite material that enhances the electrochemical performance of MoS₂ for lithium-ion battery anodes.
• To address the limitations of pure MoS₂, specifically capacity loss and insufficient conductivity.

Main Methods:

• MXene surface modification with CTAB to enhance MoO₄^2- anion adsorption.
• Vertical growth of few-layer 2H-MoS₂ onto MXene sheets.
• Fabrication and electrochemical testing of the MXene@MoS₂ composite as a battery anode.

Main Results:

• The MXene@MoS₂ composite exhibited excellent lithium storage performance.
• A reversible specific capacity of 1198 mA h g^-1 was maintained after 100 cycles at 200 mA g^-1.
• A high specific capacity of 717 mA h g^-1 was achieved even at a high rate of 8000 mA g^-1.

Conclusions:

• The conductive MXene substrate and vertically aligned MoS₂ effectively improve conductivity and mitigate volume expansion.
• The MXene@MoS₂ composite demonstrates superior specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability for lithium-ion batteries.