Few-Layer MoS2 Nanosheets Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Hollow Spheres as Long-Life Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been recognized as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, but its rapid capacity decay owing to poor conductivity, structure pulverization, and polysulfide dissolution presents significant challenges in practical applications. Herein, triple-layered hollow spheres in which MoS2 nanosheets are fully encapsulated between inner carbon and outer nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) were fabricated. Such an architecture provides high conductivity and efficient lithium-ion transfer. Moreover, the NC shell prevents aggregation and exfoliation of MoS2 nanosheets and thus maintains the integrity of the nanostructure during the charge/discharge process. As anode materials for LIBs, the C@MoS2@NC hollow spheres deliver a high reversible capacity (747 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 100 mA g(-1)) and excellent long-cycle performance (650 mA h g(-1) after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g(-1)), which confirm its potential for high-performance LIBs.