Exposing WS2 nanosheets edge by supports carbon structure: Guiding Na+ intercalation along (0 0 2) plane for enhanced reaction kinetics and stability

Growing tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) on self-supporting carbon fiber cloth is an effective means to enhance the sodium storage. However, it is difficult for WS 2 to exhibit high stability and fast reaction kinetics on the surface of carbon fiber cloth. Herein, we construct a composite structure that WS 2 nanosheets are grown on the surface of carbon fiber cloth with many gaps. These gaps are poured by pyrolytic carbon structure. The composite structures expose lateral (0   0   2) crystal plane of WS 2 nanosheets (WS 2 /CFC@C-P). When WS 2 /CFC@C-P is evaluated as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the exposed (0   0   2) lateral edge realizes the rapid migration of Na + with fast reaction kinetics. Moreover, the poured carbon stabilizes expanded WS 2 nanosheets to maintain original structure. Under the above merits, WS 2 /CFC@C-P could provide high reversible capacity (672 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g −1 ) and rate capacity (657 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 and 230 mAh g −1 at 2 A g −1 ). Furthermore, they deliver 297 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at 2 A g −1 with a low capacity fading of 0.96% per cycle. This work provides a new insight to develop high performance SIBs by introducing the fine regulation of carbon layer.