Facile preparation of MoS2/maleic acid composite as high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

We demonstrate the one-step preparation of a self-assembled MoS₂/maleic acid composite without thermal or chemical treatment, and its application as a high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). During the one-step synthesis, pristine MoS₂ and maleic acid powder are mechanically mixed. The composite anode is found to possess a reversible capacity of up to 1007 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 60 cycles, which remains at 780.6 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 2 A g⁻¹. The outstanding performance is attributed to the maleic acid nanoballs, whose good elasticity provides buffer space to maintain the robustness of MoS₂ during charge/discharge and thus enhances the reversible capacity. The novel MoS₂/maleic acid composite anode and its facile and low-cost synthesis procedure could offer bulk MoS₂ a great opportunity in high-performance LIBs.