Single-nozzle electrospun core-shell MoS2@FexOy@CNF anodes for lithium and potassium-ion batteries

The electrospinning technique remains auspicious to fabricate free-standing electrode materials for energy storage devices. Herein, a spin dope containing a blend of MoS2/PMMA and Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O/PAN solutions is electrospun to develop a core-shell carbon nanofiber signified as MoS2@FexOy@CNIF anode for Li-ion and K-ion batteries. Intrinsically, FESEM, TEM, and HRTEM analyses are used to observe a dense core comprising MoS2 and iron oxide nanoparticles and the encapsulation of the smooth and porous outer wall of CNF. The changes in the morphology and performance of the CNF are made apparent by alternating the compositional scheme between both solutions. The Li-ion battery (LIB) containing MoS2@FexOy@CNIF electrode has a cycle performance of 723mAh g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1), maintaining 88.72% capacity after 300 cycles. Its rate performance is also enhanced to 1218, 1109, 938, 863, 711 and 538 mAh g(-1) at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5C, respectively. The MoS2@FexOy@CNIF electrode have also been tested in K-ion battery (KIB) with the enhanced reversible capacity obtained as 320 mAh g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1) with 70% capacity retention, which is 63% higher compared to the pristine MoS2 slurry based electrode. The rate performances of KIBs are recorded as 387, 295, 265,178 and 109 mAh g(-1) at current rates of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1C, respectively. Moreover, the novel core-shell MoS2@FexOy@CNF-based electrode materials can be safely considered for Mg-ion and Na-ion batteries. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.