Interlayer-expanded MoS2 hybrid nanospheres with superior zinc storage behavior

As a promising cathode candidate, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has attracted extensive attention due to its excellent layered structure for Zn ion storage. However, the poor specific capacity and the relatively short cycling lifespan remain a challenge to fulfilling its potential applications. Herein, we successfully synthesized a highly stable MoS 2 –O nanosphere with intercalated Mo–O bonds adjacent to the MoS 2 layers as cathode material for Zn ion batteries (ZIBs). The results demonstrate that the degree of sulfidation contributed to the expansion of the interlayer spacing of MoS 2 while the intercalated Mo–O bonds aided the structural integrity and the stability of the fabricated cathode during the repeated Zn insertion/extraction process. Due to the optimized structure, the specific capacity and cycling stability of ZIBs with MoS 2 –O nanosphere cathode improved significantly over 300 cycling with an initial specific capacity of 206.7 mAh·g −1 at 100 mA g −1 . This work provides a promising approach to effectively enhance the capacity retention performance of MoS 2 for ZIBs. • The MoS 2 nanospheres with intercalated Mo–O bonds are used as Zn ion battery cathodes. • The intercalated Mo–O bonds aided the structural integrity of the fabricated cathode. • The MoS 2 –O nanosphere cathode led to a high capacity of 206.7 mAh·g −1 at 100 mA g −1 . • Incorporated Mo–O bonds helps improve the cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency.