Solvothermal Synthesis of MoS2/Carbon Nanotube Composites with Improved Electrochemical Performance for Lithium Ion Batteries

MoS2/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites were prepared through a simple solvothermal method with Na2MoO4 and KSCN as reactants and ethylene glycol as solvent in the presence of CNTs. The crystalline structure and morphology of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images show that the MoS2/CNT composite is composed of two-dimensional nanoflake structures with thickness of 20 to 30 nm and that these nanoflakes self-assemble into microspheres that are 500 nm in size and surrounded by a coating of CNTs. As an electrode material for the lithium ion battery, the MoS2/CNT electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 978.5 mAh/g. It shows higher capacity and better cycling stability than the pure MoS2. Based on the electrical impedance spectra, the MoS2/CNT composite has much lower impedance than the pure MoS2. The present results suggest that the MoS2/CNT composite is a promising anode material for lithium ion battery application. This study may pave a way to improve the electrochemical properties of functional materials through a unique synergy at the nanoscale.