A novel MoS2@C framework architecture composites with three-dimensional cross-linked porous carbon supporting MoS2 nanosheets for sodium storage

Abstract The exploration of appropriate electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is deemed to a critical technological challenge to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for energy storage and conversion market. Herein, molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanosheets anchored on porous carbon (MoS2@C) were synthesized via a facile and controllable method. The novel three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb-like hierarchical structure is capable of offering reduced ion diffusion pathways, buffering volume expansion, as well as stabilizing interface. Benefiting from the 3D ion diffusion channels formed by this unique architecture, a high intercalation pseudocapacitance (77% at the scan rate of 1.5 mV s−1) is achieved, which is responsible for the good rate capability (about 372 and 225 mAh g−1 at 0.05 and 2 A g−1, respectively). Moreover, the composites deliver the long cycle performance (233 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 over 200 cycles) compared with the pristine MoS2 electrode. Furthermore, 3D roughness reconstruction of the MoS2@C electrode well reveals the integrity of the hierarchical structure after Na+ insertion. Our work paves a new way for the application of MoS2@C and opens up new opportunities for the broader design of SIBs anodes.