Freestanding ReS2/Graphene Heterostructures as Binder-Free Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

It is still challenging to develop anode materials with high capacity and long cycling stability for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To address such issues, herein, for the first time, we present a three-dimensional and freestanding ReS2/graphene heterostructure (3DRG) as an anode synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The hybrid shows a hierarchically sandwich like, nanoporous, and conductive three-dimensional (3D) network constructed by two-dimensional (2D) ReS2/graphene heterostructural nanosheets, which can be directly utilized as a freestanding and binder-free anode for LIBs. When the current density is 100 mA g-1, the 3DRG anode delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 653 mAh g-1. The 3DRG anode also delivers higher rate capability and cycling stability than the bare ReS2 anode. The markedly boosted electrochemical properties derive from the unique nanoarchitecture, which guarantees massive electrochemical active sites, short channels of lithium-ion diffusion, fast electron/ion transportation, and inhibition of the volume change of ReS2 for LIBs.

Automated summary

In this study, a three-dimensional and freestanding ReS2/graphene heterostructure (3DRG) was synthesized for the first time via a one-pot hydrothermal method, which can be directly used as a freestanding and binder-free anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The 3DRG anode exhibits hierarchically sandwich-like, nanoporous, and conductive three-dimensional network constructed by two-dimensional ReS2/graphene heterostructural nanosheets. With a current density of 100 mA g-1, the 3DRG anode delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 653 mAh g-1. It also shows higher rate capability and cycling stability compared to the bare ReS2 anode.