Nanoconfined Construction of MoS2@C/MoS2 Core-Sheath Nanowires for Superior Rate and Durable Li-Ion Energy Storage

Achieving fast and stable Li-ion energy storage in two-dimensional MoS2 materials has become a formidable challenge due to their sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics and large structural change. In this study, a rational synthesis approach based on the nanoconfinement effect is reported to construct MoS2@C/MoS2 nanowires with a unique coresheath configuration. The nanocomposite exhibits a great surface area of 170.1 m(2) g(-1), mesoporous nanotexture, along with expanded MoS2 interlayers. The porous coresheath architecture and the electrically conductive carbon are of great benefit for swift transportation of Li-ions/electrons to enable enhanced reaction kinetics, and supply a great number of electroactive sites for more efficient energy storage. Additionally, the outer carbon nanoshells could maintain the structure integrity of the nanocomposite after a long-term cycle test. As a consequence, the MoS2@C/MoS2 nanowire anodes exhibit a high reversible capacity of 443 mA h g(-1) at 10 A g(-1) (53.2% retention of the capacity at 0.1 A g(-1)), and display superior stability over 500 cycles at both 1 and 5 A g(-1). The electrochemical properties bestow the MoS2@C/MoS2 coresheath nanocomposite a potential promise for high-rate and durable anodes of lithium-ion batteries.