Salt-template-assisted synthesis of robust 3D honeycomb-like structured MoS2 and its application as a lithium-ion battery anode

Constructing a 3D porous architecture from 2D MoS2 nano-building blocks has been considered as a promising approach to prevent restacking and thus achieve superior properties in energy conversion and storage, catalysis, sensors, and so on. In this work, a novel salt (NaCl) template-assisted solid-phase synthesis strategy is developed to fabricate a new type of MoS2 with a robust 3D honeycomb-like structure without the necessity to use a solution reaction. As a demonstration of structural advantages, the 3D honeycomb-structured MoS2 with a highly crystalline architecture and intimate interfacial bonding between adjacent MoS2 walls is utilized as a lithium-ion battery anode, exhibiting an unprecedented initial coulombic efficiency (∼93.5%), large specific capacity, high rate capability and excellent cycle stability.