MoS2 nanoflowers consisting of nanosheets with a controllable interlayer distance as high-performance lithium ion battery anodes

MoS2 nanoflowers consisting of nanosheets are synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The interlayer distances of the MoS2 nanosheets, accompanied with the changes of crystallinity, defects, specific surface areas as well as the thickness of the MoS2 nanosheets, can be well controlled via simply altering hydrothermal reaction temperatures. The effect of interlayer distances on the lithium storage capability for lithium ion batteries is investigated. The results show that MoS2 synthesized under 200 degrees C with an interlayer distance of 0.65 nm exhibit the highest lithium storage capacity and the best rate capability, showing a high discharge capacity of 814.2 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles and as high as 652.2 mA h g(-1) and 547.3 mA h g(-1) at current densities of 1 A g(-1) and 2 A g(-1) at 25 degrees C, respectively. The excellent lithium storage properties of the resultant MoS2 nanoflowers are attributed to its controllable optimized interplanar distance with good crystallinity, appropriate surface area and defects as well as thickness of the nanosheets.