Hierarchical Flower-Like MoS2 Microspheres and Their Efficient Al Storage Properties

In this work, hierarchical flower-like MoS2 microspheres synthesized through a facile hydrothermal approach are used as a cathode for aluminum-ion batteries. They exhibit an initial specific discharge capacity of 153.6 mAh g–1 at a current density of 50 mA g–1 and deliver a stable capacity of 112.2 mAh g–1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 92.4% over 100 cycles on account of the unique hierarchical structure, which provides abundant space for aluminum storage. Moreover, the characterization results confirm that Al3+ ions can be intercalated into the MoS2 phase to form AlxMoS2 during the discharge process. The density functional theory calculation results indicate that the structure of MoS2 can be stabilized during the intercalation/deintercalation process.