Facile synthesis of hierarchical worm-like MoS2 structures assembled with nanosheets as anode for lithium ion batteries

Hierarchical worm-like MoS2 structures directionally assembled with nanosheets are successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route using potassium sodium tartrate as a structure-directing agent. The possible growth mechanism of worm-like MoS2 structures is proposed through controlling hydrothermal temperature, time and the amount of potassium sodium tartrate. The results indicate that potassium sodium tartrate plays important roles in formation of worm-like structures. The unique hierarchical structures as anodes for lithium-ion batteries display high specific capacity of 845 mA h g(-1) after 50 cycles at 100 mA g(-1) and good cyclic stability of 698 mA h g(-1) even at high rate of 500 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the hierarchical surface, sufficient void space between neighboring nanosheets and unique worm-like structures. Besides, this work also provides a simple strategy to design and construct other structural materials, such as layered metal sulfides and oxides.