Three-Dimensional Network Architecture with Hybrid Nanocarbon Composites Supporting Few-Layer MoS2 for Lithium and Sodium Storage

The exploration of anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) or sodium ion batteries (SIBs) represents a grand technological challenge to meet the continuously increased demand for the high-performance energy storage market. Here we report a facile and reliable synthetic strategy for in situ growth of few-layer MoS2 nanosheets on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) cross-linked hollow carbon spheres (HCS) with formation of three-dimensional (3D) network nanohybrids (MoS2-rGO/HCS). Systematic electrochemical studies demonstrate, as an anode of LIBs, the as-developed MoS2-rGO/HCS can deliver a reversible capacity of 1145 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 and a revisible capacity of 753 mAh g-1 over 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1. For SIBs, the as-developed MoS2-rGO/HCS can also maintain a reversible capacity of 443 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 500 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the 3D porous structures, in which the few-layer MoS2 nanosheets with expanded interlayers can provide shortened ion diffusion paths and improved Li+/Na+ diffusion mobility, and the hollow porous carbon spheres and the outside graphene network are able to improve the conductivity and maintain the structural integrity.