Significantly enhanced lithium storage by in situ grown CoS2@MoS2 core–shell nanorods anchored on carbon cloth

Abstract MoS2 becomes one of the ideal anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its unique two-dimensional layered structure and high theoretical capacity. However, the poor conductivity and volume change during reaction hinder its application. In this work, we demonstrate a two-step hydrothermal method to synthesis the unique structure of core–shell CoS2@MoS2 nanorods anchored on carbon cloth (CC). The one-dimensional Co(OH)2 nanowire array on CC forms a carbon-based framework, which increases the reaction surface area for subsequent in-situ generation of MoS2. The MoS2 layer with rich holes enhances lithium storage capacity and increases the active sites. Compared with pure MoS2 electrode, CoS2@MoS2/CC (CMCC) exhibits a stronger electrochemical performance as a binder-free electrode for LIBs. The structure has a high discharge specific capacity of 1175 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1. The further experiments prove that the CMCC structure has outstanding ion transport ability and low impedance characteristics, which are attributed to its special structure and the introduction of Co ions. The present work provides a new idea for the design of stable flexible electrode with high electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries.