Construction of hierarchical V4C3-MXene/MoS2/C nanohybrids for high rate lithium-ion batteries

MoS2 is a promising anode candidate for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its unique layered structure and high specific capacity. However, the poor conductivity and unsatisfactory structure stability limit its practical application. Recently, a new class of 2D material, V4C3-Mxene, has been found to combine metallic conductivity, high structural stability and rich surface chemistries. Herein, a facile method has been developed to fabricate V4C3-MXene /MoS2/C nanohybrids. Ultrasmall and few-layered MoS2 nanosheets are uniformly anchored on the surface of V4C3-MXene with thin carbon cover layer. The ultrasmall and few-layered MoS2 nanosheets can enlarge the specific areas, reduce the diffusion distance of lithium ions, and accelerate the transfer of charge carriers. As a supporting substrate, V4C3-MXene makes the nanohybrid owns high electrical conductivity, strong structure stability, and fast reaction kinetics. Moreover, the coated carbon layer can further enhance the electrical conductivity and structure stability of the hybrid material. Benefited from these advantages, V4C3-MXene /MoS2/C electrode shows an excellent cycling stability with high reversible capability of 622.6 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 450 cycles, and a superior rate capability of 500.0 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1. Thus, the V4C3-MXene /MoS2/C nanohybrid could become a promising anode material for high rate LIBs.