Bubble-template-assisted synthesis of hollow fullerene-like MoS2 nanocages as a lithium ion battery anode material

Abstract

Inorganic fullerene (IF)-like structured materials have attracted considerable attention for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this report, we describe a facile method of synthesizing IF-MoS₂ hollow structures with a diameter of ∼100 nm by a facile solution-phase reduction process to obtain a hollow MoS_x precursor under ambient pressures before subsequent annealing of the material at high temperatures to form IF-MoS₂ nanocages. TEM images at different reaction stages reveal the hollow structure spontaneously arising in the novel “close-edge” nanocages under the assistance of an ammonia cation bubble template. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, ex situ characterization indicates that these IF-MoS₂ hollow nanocages can provide large expandable spaces for volume changes occurring during the cycles. Such a highly desired structure offers remarkably improved lithium storage performance including high reversible capacity and good cycling behavior and high rate capability.