Multifunctional Carbon\nLayer Bridging TiO₂ Nanotubes and MoS₂ Nanosheets\nfor Enhanced Lithium Storage

Abstract

This article ingeniously adopts a glucose-assisted hydrothermal\nmethod to bridge TiO₂ nanotubes and MoS₂ nanosheets\nwith a multifunctional carbon layer (C), synthesizing three-dimensional\n(3D) TiO₂@C@MoS₂ composites. The multifunctional\ncarbon layer bridges MoS₂ nanosheets and TiO₂ nanotubes by creating C–S and Ti–O–C chemical\nbonds, which not only reduces the mechanical stress of the composites\nduring charge/discharge cycling and enhances the structural stability\nof the composites but also improves the overall conductivity of the\ncomposites. Furthermore, the one-dimensional (1D) TiO₂ nanotubes\nact as a reliable skeleton for the growth of MoS₂ nanosheets,\neffectively shortening the transport path for ions/electrons. The\nMoS₂ nanosheets on the surface contribute to an increase\nin active sites for electrochemical reactions, thus bringing about\nfaster charge transfer within the material. As a result, the overall\nelectrochemical properties of the composites are improved. The prepared\nTiO₂@C@MoS₂ composites show up to an initial\ndischarge specific capacity of 881.77 mAh g^–1, sustaining\na capacity retention of 81% even after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g^–1. The outstanding specific capacity and impressive cyclic stability\nare ascribed to the unique synergistic effect of the multifunctional\ncarbon layer bridging TiO₂ nanotubes and MoS₂ nanosheets. This preparation offers a perspective for the synthesis\nof other composite materials, broadening the horizons of lithium-ion\nbattery anode research.