Li+/Mg2+ Hybrid-Ion Batteries with Long Cycle Life and High Rate Capability Employing MoS2 Nano Flowers as the Cathode Material

The demand for large-scale and safe energy storage is increasing rapidly due to the strong push for smartphones and electric vehicles. As a result, Li+/Mg2+ hybrid-ion batteries (LMIBs) combining a dendrite-free deposition of Mg anode and Li+ intercalation cathode have attracted considerable attention. Here, a LMIB with hydrothermal-prepared MoS2 nano flowers as cathode material was prepared. The battery showed remarkable electrochemical properties with a large discharge capacity (243 mAhg(-1) at the 0.1 C rate), excellent rate capability (108 mAhg(-1) at the 5 C rate), and long cycle life (87.2% capacity retention after 2300 cycles). Electrochemical analysis showed that the reactions occurring in the battery cell involved Mg stripping/plating at the anode side and Li+ intercalation at the cathode side with a small contribution from Mg2+ adsorption. The excellent electrochemical performance and extremely safe cell system show promise for its use in practical applications.