Synthesis of hierarchical MoS2 microspheres composed of nanosheets assembled via facile hydrothermal method as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

A hierarchical MoS2 architecture composed of nanosheet-assembled microspheres with an expanded interplanar spacing of the (002) planes was successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal reaction. Electron microscopy studies revealed formation of the MoS2 microspheres with an average diameter of 230 nm. It was shown that the hierarchical structure of MoS2 microspheres possesses both the merits of nanometer-sized building blocks and micrometer-sized assemblies, which offer high surface area for fast kinetics and buffers the volume expansion during lithium insertion/deinsertion, respectively. The micrometer-sized assemblies were found to contribute to the enhanced electrochemical stabilities of the electrode materials. The mentioned advantages of the MoS2 electrode prepared in this work allowed enhanced cyclability and high rate capability of the material. Along with this, the material delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 1206 mAh g−1 and a reversible discharge capacity of 653 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Furthermore, the material delivered a high reversible capacity of 480 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1.