MoS2 nanosheets fixed on network carbon derived from apple pomace for fast Na storage kinetics

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as a typical two-dimensional material with high theorical capacity (670 mAh g(-1)), is widely used for electrode material in energy storage systems. However, the inferior electronic conductivity, low stability, and sluggish kinetics make it prone to stack during cycling, resulting in a poor lifespan and rate performance. In this work, a 3D network porous structure MoS2/OAPC composite was fabricated by carbonizing biowaste apple pomace (AP) collected from concentrated juice factory, then oxidizing apple pomace carbon (APC), and finally sulfurizing (NH4)(6)Mo7O24.4H(2)O/OAPC preform. The oxidization process ensures rich surface oxygen-containing functional groups on OAPC, which will provide necessary nucleation sites for the growth of MoS2, enhance the interfacial bonding strength and effectively avoid the agglomeration of MoS2 sheets resulting in a stable structure and high conductivity. In addition, the 3D porous connectivity structure provides necessary guarantee for the fast kinetics of sodium transport. Therefore, the MoS2/OAPC anode exhibits a high capacity of 601.8 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g(-1). When the current density is as high as 2 A g(-1), a promising rate capacity of 297.2 mAh g(-1) can still be maintained.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a 3D network porous MoS2/OAPC composite was prepared to overcome the challenges of inferior electronic conductivity, low stability, and sluggish kinetics faced by molybdenum disulfide in energy storage systems. The composite exhibited a stable and highly conductive structure with high capacity and promising rate performance.