Enhancing the specific capacity and rate performance of MoS2 nanomaterials via introducing subgrains at a hydrothermal temperature 160 °C

Reversible specific capacity and rate performance are required for MoS 2 nanomaterials as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes. Here we reported a novel MoS 2 structure with nano-size subgrain microstructure and thus enhanced electrochemical performance produced by a low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis technique. Ammonia solution treatment was proved feasible to remove the S 2 2 − and MoO 3 impurities from the composite produces. After purification of the MoS 2 prepared at a temperature of 160 °C, the (002) interlayer spacing was ~0.69 nm. In addition, the MoS 2 sheets consisted of nano-size subgrains, with Mo enrichment at grain boundaries. As a result, a reversible specific capacity of 826 mAh g − 1 at a current density of 0.1 A g − 1 and rate performance of 700 mAh g − 1 at 1 A g − 1 were achieved. This shows that high purity MoS 2 nanomaterials prepared via ammonia solution may act as promising materials for high performance anodes.