Three-dimensional hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth as high-performance flexible lithium-ion battery anodes

Flexible lithium-ion batteries are the key to powering a new generation of flexible electronics such as roll-up displays, smart electronics, and wearable devices. Here we report, for the first time, one-step hydrothermal synthesis of a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth which shows potential for improving the performance of flexible lithium-ion batteries. Structural characterizations show that the 3D hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth has a similar ordered woven structure to the bare carbon cloth. Each carbon microfiber is covered with many highly ordered 3D MoS2 nanoflake arrays, and a typical MoS2 nanoflake, with expanded spacing of the (002) crystal plane, has a uniform width of about 400 nm and a thickness of less than 15 nm. The flexible 3D MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth as a flexible lithium-ion battery anode has a high reversible capacity of 3.0-3.5 mA h cm(-2) at a current density of 0.15 mA cm(-2) and outstanding discharging/charging rate stability. Moreover, a fabricated full battery, with commercial LiCoO2 powder and the hierarchical architectures as electrodes, exhibits high flexibility and good electrochemical performance, and can light a commercial red LED even after 50 cycles of bending the full battery.