A facile synthesis of hierarchical MoS2 nanotori with advanced lithium storage properties

Abstract

MoS₂ with a 2D layered structure and high theoretical capacity has been regarded as a promising candidate for anode materials in lithium ion batteries. But its poor cyclic stability and low rate capability hinder its practical applications. Herein, hierarchical MoS₂ nanotori consisting of MoS₂ nanosheets with an increased interlayer distance were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction for the first time. A possible formation mechanism of the hierarchical MoS₂ nanotori is proposed based on the scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) results and the influence of the MoO₃ precursor on the morphology of the MoS₂ obtained. The hierarchical MoS₂ nanotori display superior reversible capacity, good rate capability and improved cyclic performance, which can be attributed to their hierarchical surface, hollow structure feature and increased layer distance. The formation mechanism of hierarchical MoS₂ nanotori proposed here should offer a new technique for the design and synthesis of MoS₂ with different morphologies using MoO₃ as the growth template.