Rapid microwave-hydrothermal preparation of few-layer MoS2/C nanocomposite as anode for highly reversible lithium storage properties

3D nanohybrid structures with few-layered MoS2 nanosheets uniformly incorporated in the carbon substrate are prepared via using the rapid and homogeneous microwave-hydrothermal method, in which the size of the basic unit structure of MoS2/C was small. The samples were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy for structure and composition test. The electrochemical performances of the composites are evaluated by cyclic voltammogram, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the maximum-specific capacitance of the MoS2/C electrodes reaches up to 1003 mAh g–1 at a discharge current density 100 mA g–1. The MoS2/C hybrid composite remains 755 mAh g–1 after 50 cycles at the current of 200 mA g–1, much higher than that of the pure MoS2. The superior electrochemical performances of MoS2/C composites as Li-ion battery anodes are attributed to their enhanced available active sites for charges, decreased transmission resistance between interlayers, improved electronic conductivity as well as good mechanical stability.