MoS2 nanosheets uniformly grown on polyphosphazene-derived carbon nanospheres for lithium-ion batteries

With the discovery and application of graphene, layered inorganic materials such as MoS2 has attracted increasing interest. However, the rational design of a novel electrode structure with a high capacity, fast charge/discharge rate, and long cycling lifetime remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a method of growing layered MoS2 nanosheets on polyphosphazene microspheres. The uniform polyphosphazene microspheres have a rich and uniform hydroxyl structure on the surface, which are effective as hard templates for the growth of two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets. The uniform adsorption of the initial molybdenum disulfide nanosheets induced a uniform growth, hence a high stable electrochemical performance. Moreover, the obtained hollow carbon microspheres not only exhibited higher electrical conductivity, but also stronger the structural stability. The composites shows a high capacity (882 mAh.g(-1)) at a current density of 2 A.g(-1) and a long cycle life of 1000 cycles with 85 % capacity retention as well. The composites might be a promising MoS2-based anode material for Li-ion battery applications.

Automated summary

A method of growing layered MoS2 nanosheets on polyphosphazene microspheres was reported, showing uniform growth and high stable electrochemical performance. The obtained hollow carbon microspheres exhibited higher electrical conductivity and stronger structural stability, making them a promising MoS2-based anode material for Li-ion battery applications.