Multifunctional Carbon Layer Bridging TiO₂ Nanotubes and MoS₂ Nanosheets for Enhanced Lithium Storage

This article ingeniously adopts a glucose-assisted hydrothermal method to bridge TiO 2 nanotubes and MoS 2 nanosheets with a multifunctional carbon layer (C), synthesizing three-dimensional (3D) TiO 2 @C@MoS 2 composites. The multifunctional carbon layer bridges MoS 2 nanosheets and TiO 2 nanotubes by creating C–S and Ti–O–C chemical bonds, which not only reduces the mechanical stress of the composites during charge/discharge cycling and enhances the structural stability of the composites but also improves the overall conductivity of the composites. Furthermore, the one-dimensional (1D) TiO 2 nanotubes act as a reliable skeleton for the growth of MoS 2 nanosheets, effectively shortening the transport path for ions/electrons. The MoS 2 nanosheets on the surface contribute to an increase in active sites for electrochemical reactions, thus bringing about faster charge transfer within the material. As a result, the overall electrochemical properties of the composites are improved. The prepared TiO 2 @C@MoS 2 composites show up to an initial discharge specific capacity of 881.77 mAh g –1, sustaining a capacity retention of 81% even after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g –1 . The outstanding specific capacity and impressive cyclic stability are ascribed to the unique synergistic effect of the multifunctional carbon layer bridging TiO 2 nanotubes and MoS 2 nanosheets. This preparation offers a perspective for the synthesis of other composite materials, broadening the horizons of lithium-ion battery anode research.