Freestanding Metallic 1T MoS2 with Dual Ion Diffusion Paths as High Rate Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

This work studies for the first time the metallic 1T MoS2 sandwich grown on graphene tube as a freestanding intercalation anode for promising sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Sodium is earth-abundant and readily accessible. Compared to lithium, the main challenge of sodium-ion batteries is its sluggish ion diffusion kinetic. The freestanding, porous, hollow structure of the electrode allows maximum electrolyte accessibility to benefit the transportation of Na+ ions. Meanwhile, the metallic MoS2 provides excellent electron conductivity. The obtained 1T MoS2 electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance: a high reversible capacity of 313 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 0.05 A g(-1) after 200 cycles and a high rate capability of 175 mAh g(-1) at 2 A g(-1). The underlying mechanism of high rate performance of 1T MoS2 for SIBs is the high electrical conductivity and excellent ion accessibility. This study sheds light on using the 1T MoS2 as a novel anode for SIBs.