Uniform Yolk–Shell MoS2@Carbon Microsphere Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphical A good egg : Highly uniform yolk–shell MoS 2 @C microspheres were synthesized as lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, with the inner cavity between the carbon shell and MoS 2 core easily tailored through a novel etching technique (see scheme). The rationally designed microsphere anode exhibits high reversible capacity, and excellent cycling stability and rate performance. The etching strategy developed may provide a new approach for the preparation of other carbon-based hollow nanostructures As an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), MoS 2 has attracted much attention because of its high capacity and low cost. However, the rational design of a novel electrode structure with a high capacity, fast charge/discharge rate, and long cycling lifetime remains a great challenge. Herein, a environmentally friendly etching strategy is reported for the construction of monodisperse, inner void-controlled yolk–shell MoS 2 @carbon microspheres. The resulting anode reveals an initial discharge capacity up to 1813 mAh g −1 , a high reversible capacity (1016 mAh g −1 ), excellent cycling stability (200 cycles), and superior rate performance. Such microspheres consist of nanosized MoS 2 yolks (≈280 nm), porous carbon shells (≈25 nm) and well-controlled internal voids in between, opening a new pathway for the optimization of the electrochemical properties of MoS 2 -based anodes without sacrificing their capacity. In addition, this etching strategy offers a new method for the development of functional, hollow MoS 2 -based composites.