Synthesis of 1T-MoS2 sheets with large space distance between layers for high-rate aqueous Zn-ion batteries cathode

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), as a classical layered transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD), shows great potential as an advanced Zn 2+ storage cathode of aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) due to high theoretical capacity and two-dimensional Zn 2+ transport channels. However, the narrow interlayer distance and the poor electrical conduction of stable 2H-MoS 2 limit its applications. In this work, the 1T-MoS 2 sheets with good electrical conduction and large interlayer spacing of 9.5 Å (designated as MoS 2 -180) have been successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method . The interlaminar structural water induces stable existence of metastable 1T-MoS 2 and large space distance of 6.08 Å between layers (that is larger than the size (5.5 Å) of hydrated Zn 2+ ), and contributes to its excellent hydrophilicity , promoting transmission of hydrated Zn 2+ . The interlayer spacing-tailored MoS 2 -180 cathode exhibits high specific capacity (Cs) of 226.2 mAh g −1  at 0.10 A g −1 and impressive high-rate capability. The Cs at 5.00 A g −1 is extraordinarily up to 150.9 mAh g −1 and retains 66.7% of that at 0.10 A g −1 . This is far superior to the most reported MoS 2 , MoS 2 derivatives and MoS 2 /C composite cathodes. Moreover, the activated MoS 2 -180 cathode shows robust long-term cycling stability with Cs retention of 103.6% after 500 cycles at 1.00 A g −1 . The mechanism behind these phenomena brings new insights into the structural water-induced 1T-MoS 2 for high-performance aqueous ZIBs cathodes.