MoS₂ Nanosheets Vertically Grown on Carbonized Corn Stalks as Lithium-Ion Battery Anode

Abstract

In this study, MoS₂ nanosheets are vertically grown on the inside and outside surfaces of the carbonized corn stalks (CCS) by a simple hydrothermal reaction. The vertically grown structure can not only improve the transmission rate of Li⁺ and electrons but also avoid the agglomeration of the nanosheets. Meanwhile, a new approach of biomass source application is presented. We use CCS instead of graphite powders, which can not only avoid the exploitation of graphite resources, but also be used as a matrix for MoS₂ growth to prevent the electrode from being further decomposed during long cycles and at high current densities. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries show remarkable electrochemical performance. They demonstrate a high specific capacity of 1409.5 mA g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 in the initial cycle. After 250 cycles, the discharge capacity is still as high as 1230.9 mAh g^-1. Even at 4000 mA g^-1, they show a high specific capacity of 777.7 mAh g^-1. Furthermore, the MoS₂/CCS electrodes show long cycle life, and the specific capacity is still up to ∼500 mAh g^-1 at 5000 mA g^-1 after 1000 cycles.