Improved cycling stability of MoS2-coated carbon nanotubes on graphene foam as flexible anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Achieving appropriate cycling stability for metal sulfides used as anodes in Li-ion batteries remains highly challenging because of structural collapse or low conductivity. Herein, a novel composite was designed as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. This unique architecture has the advantages of a large interface area, numerous channels for Li⁺ and electron transport, and a porous structure that facilitates electrolyte infiltration and buffers the volume expansion. As expected, this composite exhibits good cycling stability, high reversible capacity, and high rate capability, delivering a high discharge capacity of 1511.6 mA h g⁻¹ and a high first columbic efficiency of 83.27%. The reversible capacities of graphitic-carbon network material (GCNM) electrodes are 1112 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, and they show superior rate capabilities. This GCNM composite demonstrates great potential for applications in power sources for flexible and lightweight electronic devices.