2D molybdenum nitride nanosheets as anode materials for improved lithium storage

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum nitride (MoN) nanosheets are promising anode materials for improved lithium-ion batteries. However, the reported synthesis methods of MoN generally rely on high-temperature and complex procedures with low cost efficiency. Herein, we report a facile one-pot synthesis of 2D MoN nanosheets at a low temperature of 400 °C via a solid-state reaction of molybdenum disulfide, sulfur and sodium amide in an autoclave. When employed as the anode material for lithium ion batteries, the as-developed MoN electrode exhibits outstanding cyclability with a high capacity retention of 898 mA h g⁻¹ over 400 cycles at a current rate of 200 mA g⁻¹ as well as a superb rate capability with a capacity of 505 mA h g⁻¹ at a high rate up to 2 A g⁻¹. The excellent lithium storage performance of the MoN electrode is attributed to its advantageously high conductivity and unique 2D nanostructure.