Amorphous MoS₃-Coated ZnS Heterostructure with Interface-Enhanced Kinetics for Fast and Durable Sodium Storage via...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Growing demand for advanced sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) requires high-rate and durable anode materials.
• Conventional ZnS-based anodes face challenges with sluggish ion transport and structural instability during cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a hierarchical ZnS/MoS3 composite with a carbon matrix (ZSCM) for enhanced sodium storage.
• To investigate the sodium storage mechanism and the role of the ZnS/MoS3 heterointerface.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ZSCM via a MOF-derived carbonization-sulfurization route with amorphous MoS3 surface modification.
• Electrochemical performance testing (capacity, rate capability, cycling stability).
• Structural and spectroscopic analyses (e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS) to elucidate the storage mechanism.

Main Results:

• ZSCM anode achieved a high reversible capacity of 559.3 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 and retained 370.8 mAh·g−1 at 10 A·g−1.
• Multistep sodium storage mechanism involving ZnS conversion/alloying and MoS3 reduction/reoxidation was identified.
• ZnS/MoS3 heterointerface generated a built-in electric field, enhancing charge redistribution and ion/electron migration.

Conclusions:

• The ZSCM composite offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance ZnS-based anodes for SIBs.
• The unique hierarchical structure and heterointerface effects significantly improve electrochemical performance and stability.
• This work provides mechanistic insights into multistep sodium storage for advanced battery applications.