Preparation of yolk-shell MoS_2 nanospheres covered with carbon shell for excellent lithium-ion battery anodes

摘要

Graphical abstractYolk-shell MoS2nanospheres with carbon shell covered was fabricated by a developed hydrothermal method and etching progress, then used as anode materials for LIBs with superior capacity performance.Display OmittedHighlights•Yolk-shell structured MoS2 nanospheres were designed and fabricated by a hydrothermal method and a simple etching process.•The semi-hollow cavities can accommodate the volume expansion during the lithium ion intercalation/de-intercalation.•Outside covered carbon shell surface enhance the conductivity to pursue a better capacity performance.•The semi-hollow MoS2/C nanospheres performed as anode material obtained excellent rate capability and cycling stability.AbstractMolybdenum disulfide is regarded as one of the most promising electrode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries. Designing firm basal structure is a key point to fully utilize the high capacity of layered MoS2nanomaterials. Here, yolk-shell structured MoS2nanospheres is firstly designed and fabricated to meet this needs. This unique yolk-shell nanospheres are transformed from solid nanospheres by a simply weak alkaline etching method. Then, the yolk-shell MoS2/C is synthesized by a facile process to protect the outside MoS2shell and promote the conductivity. Taking advantages of high capacity and well-defined cavity space, allowing the core MoS2to expand freely without breaking the outer shells, yolk-shell MoS2/C nanospheres delivers long cycle life (94% of capacity retained after 200 cycles) and high rate behaviour (830 mA h g−1at 5 A g−1). This design of yolk-shell structure may set up a new strategy for preparing next generation anode materials for LIBs.