Fluffy carbon-coated ReS2 nanoflowers as enhanced anode materials for lithium ion battery

Abstract To significantly improve the electrochemical performance of ReS 2 , fluffy carbon-coated ReS 2 nanoflowers (named as ReS 2 /C nanoflowers) are prepared with assistance of the polyethyleneglycol (PEG) as carbon source and surfactant. The carbon-coating structure of ReS 2 /C nanoflowers derived from PEG can improve the conductivity of the composites and relief the volume expansion of ReS 2 during the cycling process. Furthermore, the fluffy structure and small size of ReS 2 /C nanoflowers controlled by PEG are propitious to the transmission of Li ion. Thus, the obtained ReS 2 /C nanoflowers exhibited a superior electrochemical performance compared with the pure ReS 2 , which exhibit a discharge capacity of 501 mAh g -1 at 0.5 C as anode materials for LIB after 100 cycles, with a high capacity retention of 98%. This preparation of ReS 2 /C nanoflowers can provide guidance for improving the electrochemical performances of ReS 2 for Li storage.