High performance of MoS2 microflowers with a water-based binder as an anode for Na-ion batteries

Na-ion batteries have risen as an alternative system to current Li-ion batteries due to the wide range of availability and low price of sodium resources. Here we report the binder effect on sodium storage properties of MoS2 microflowers with nano-sized petals which are prepared by a combination of a hydrothermal reaction and solid-state reaction. The electrochemical performance of MoS2 microflowers with different binders is evaluated against pure Na metal in a half-cell configuration through a conversion reaction. Especially, the electrode of MoS2 microflowers with a Na-alginate binder shows an excellent cycling stability, delivering a high discharge capacity of 595 mA h g(-1) after 50 cycles. The MoS2 microflowers with the Na-alginate binder also exhibit high rate capability, retaining a capacity of 236 mA h g(-1) at 10C without any carbonaceous materials. The improved electrochemical performance was mainly attributed to the synergetic effect of the morphology of the MoS2 microflowers and good adhesive capabilities of the alginate binder. Furthermore, we report a Na-ion fuel cell using the MoS2 microflower anode with Na3V2O2x( PO4)(2)F3-2x/C as a cathode material.