Nanoconfined Construction of MoS2@C/MoS2 Core–Sheath Nanowires for Superior Rate and Durable Li-Ion Energy Storage

Achieving fast and stable Li-ion energy storage in two-dimensional MoS 2 materials has become a formidable challenge due to their sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics and large structural change. In this study, a rational synthesis approach based on the nanoconfinement effect is reported to construct MoS 2 @C/MoS 2 nanowires with a unique core–sheath configuration. The nanocomposite exhibits a great surface area of 170.1 m 2 g –1, mesoporous nanotexture, along with expanded MoS 2 interlayers. The porous core–sheath architecture and the electrically conductive carbon are of great benefit for swift transportation of Li-ions/electrons to enable enhanced reaction kinetics, and supply a great number of electroactive sites for more efficient energy storage. Additionally, the outer carbon nanoshells could maintain the structure integrity of the nanocomposite after a long-term cycle test. As a consequence, the MoS 2 @C/MoS 2 nanowire anodes exhibit a high reversible capacity of 443 mA h g –1 at 10 A g –1 (53.2% retention of the capacity at 0.1 A g –1 ), and display superior stability over 500 cycles at both 1 and 5 A g –1 . The electrochemical properties bestow the MoS 2 @C/MoS 2 core–sheath nanocomposite a potential promise for high-rate and durable anodes of lithium-ion batteries.