High-Rate and High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Containing 2D MoS2 Nanowall and Cellulose Binder

Electrochemically stable molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a two-dimensional nanowall structure is successfully prepared by a simple two-step synthesis method followed by thermal annealing at 700 degrees C in a reducing atmosphere. MoS2 nanowalls provide a better electrochemical performance and stability when cellulose (CMC) binder is used instead of the usual PVDF. The electrodes exhibit a high specific discharge capacity of 880 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) without any capacity fading for over 50 cycles. The electrode also exhibits outstanding rate capability with a reversible capacity as high as 737 mA h g(-1) and 676 mA h g(-1) rates of 500 mA g(-1) and 1000 mA at 20 degrees C, respectively. The excellent electrochemical stability and high specific capacity of the nano structured materials are attributed to the two-dimensional nanowall morphology of MoS2 and the use of cellulose binder. These results are the first of its kind to report a superior stability using bare MoS2 as an active material and CMC as a binder.