Construction of hierarchical V4C3-MXene/MoS2/C nanohybrids for high rate lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

MoS₂ is a promising anode candidate for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its unique layered structure and high specific capacity. However, the poor conductivity and unsatisfactory structural stability limit its practical application. Recently, a new class of 2D materials, V₄C₃-Mxene, has been found to combine metallic conductivity, high structural stability and rich surface chemistries. Herein, a facile method has been developed to fabricate V₄C₃-MXene/MoS₂/C nanohybrids. Ultrasmall and few-layered MoS₂ nanosheets are uniformly anchored on the surface of V₄C₃-MXene with a thin carbon-coating layer. The ultrasmall and few-layered MoS₂ nanosheets can enlarge the specific areas, reduce the diffusion distance of lithium ions, and accelerate the transfer of charge carriers. As a supporting substrate, V₄C₃-MXene endows the nanohybrid with high electrical conductivity, strong structural stability, and fast reaction kinetics. Moreover, the carbon-coating layer can further enhance the electrical conductivity and structural stability of the hybrid material. Benefiting from these advantages, the V₄C₃-MXene/MoS₂/C electrode shows an excellent cycling stability with a high reversible capability of 622.6 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 450 cycles, and a superior rate capability of 500.0 mA h g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹. Thus, the V₄C₃-MXene/MoS₂/C nanohybrid could become a promising anode material for high rate LIBs.