Facile synthesis of hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes were successfully synthesized using Na2MoO4 center dot 2H(2)O, MnCl2 center dot 4H(2)O and (NH4)(2)CS through a simple solvothermal reaction. The formation of hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes was based on the intermediate MnMoO4, which was used as a self-sacrificed template. The hollow MoS2 nanotubes exhibited improved reversibility and cycling performance compared with the solid MoS2 when evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A high capacity of 727 mA h g(-1) could be retained after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). The rate capability of the hollow MoS2 nanotubes also improved. The hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes could still be maintained at 480 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 1000 mA g(-1). The enhanced lithium-ion storage performance of the hierarchical hollow MoS2 nanotubes in terms of reversible capacity, cycling performance, and rate capability can be attributed to their hierarchical surface and hollow tube structure.