In-situ growth of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets on sponge-like carbon nanospheres for lithium-ion batteries

Developing novel electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with rapid charge/discharge capability and high cycling stability remains a big challenge to date. Herein, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets in-situ grown on sponge-like carbon nanospheres by a simple diffusion-controlled process. The unique sponge-like carbon nanosphere core can be used as reservoir of electrolyte by adsorbing to shorten the ion-diffusion path, and meanwhile as elastomer to alleviate the structural change of the MoS2 nanosheets during the charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, the vertical ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets with broadened interlayer space greatly enrich the electrochemical active sites. Consequently, the as-obtained MoS2/C nanospheres exhibit increased specific capacities at various rates with superior cycling stability compared to the MoS2/C floccules. It is reckoned that the present concept can be extended to other electrode materials for achieving high-rate and stable LIBs.