Metal–organic framework-derived MCF/PPy/MoS2 hybrid nanocomposites as an anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Transition metal sulphides, MoS₂ in particular, are widely used in lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity and excellent performance. However, their inferior electrical conductivity and enormous volume expansion during charge/discharge cycles have hindered the further development of transition metal sulphides for battery applications. Here, we prepare MoS₂ nanosheets grown on N-doped mesoporous carbon foam (labelled as MCF/PPy/MoS₂) via low-temperature hydrothermal and high-temperature pyrolysis methods, where ZIF-67 is used as the carbon and nitrogen source for the growth of MoS₂. Notably, the electrode material inherits the advantages of ZIF-67, such as a high specific surface area, structural diversity and easy tunability, and these properties facilitate lithium ion diffusion through the active material. Moreover, the addition of PPy further increases the number of active sites and surface area. The electrode material has an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 776.9 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and a very long cycling stability with a capacity of 419.2 mA h g⁻¹ for 1000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹.