Chemical vapor deposited MoS2/electrospun carbon nanofiber composite as anode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Due to its high theoretical capacity and unique layered structure, MoS2 has attracted attention as a sodium-ion battery anode material. However, the electrochemical performance of MoS2 based anodes is hindered by their low intrinsic conductivity and large volume change during cycling. In this report, nanosized MoS2 sheets are synthesized using a scalable chemical vapor deposition method on the surface of electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The morphology of the resultant MoS2@CNFs is investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, while their electrochemical performance is studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge. The results demonstrate that a strong interconnection between MoS2 nanosheets and CNFs is formed and the conductive network of CNFs is beneficial for the sodium ion kinetics. When investigated as an anode for sodium-ion batteries, a high reversible capacity of 380 mA h g(-1) is obtained after 50 cycles with good cycling stability. In particular, MoS2@CNFs can deliver a capacity of 198 mA h g(-1) under a high current density of 1 A g(-1) after 500 cycles, indicating their great potential as anode material for long-life sodium-ion batteries. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.