Enhanced Lithium Storage\nPerformances of Hierarchical Hollow MoS₂ Nanoparticles\nAssembled from Nanosheets

Abstract

MoS₂, because of its layered structure and\nhigh theoretical capacity, has been regarded as a potential candidate\nfor electrode materials in lithium secondary batteries. But it suffers\nfrom the poor cycling stability and low rate capability. Here, hierarchical\nhollow nanoparticles of MoS₂ nanosheets with an increased\ninterlayer distance are synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction\nat a low temperature. The formation of hierarchical hollow nanoparticles\nis based on the intermediate, K₂NaMoO₃F₃, as a self-sacrificed template. These hollow nanoparticles\nexhibit a reversible capacity of 902 mA h g^–1 at\n100 mA g^–1 after 80 cycles, much higher than the\nsolid counterpart. At a current density of 1000 mA g^–1, the reversible capacity of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles\ncould be still maintained at 780 mAh g^–1. The enhanced\nlithium storage performances of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles\nin reversible capacities, cycling stability and rate performances\ncan be attributed to their hierarchical surface, hollow structure\nfeature and increased layer distance of S–Mo–S. Hierarchical\nhollow nanoparticles as an ensemble of these features, could be applied\nto other electrode materials for the superior electrochemical performance.