Synthesis and electrochemical properties of tin-doped MoS2 (Sn/MoS2) composites for lithium ion battery applications

SnO2-MoO3 composites were synthesized by using (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O and SnCl2·2H2O as raw materials through a simple solvothermal method followed by pyrolysis. Tin-doped MoS2 (Sn/MoS2) flowers have been synthesized by a solvothermal method followed with annealing in Ar(H2) atmosphere, with SnO2-MoO3, thioacetamide (TAA), and urea as starting materials. The doping and the content of Sn-doping play crucial roles in the morphology and electrochemical performance of the MoS2. As anode materials for lithium ion battery (LIB), all Sn/MoS2 composites exhibit both higher reversible capacity and better cycling performance at current density of 200 mA g−1, compared with MoS2 without Sn doping. The achieved discharge capacity for Sn/MoS2 composites is above 1000 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency. The doping of metal Sn in MoS2 can improve the conductivity of MoS2 and significantly enhance its electrochemical properties. The good electrochemical performance suggests that the Sn/MoS2 composite could be a promising candidate as a novel anode material for LIB application. Our present work provides a new approach to the fabrication of anode materials for LIB applications.