In situ formation of few-layered MoS2@N-doped carbon network as high performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) has become a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its unique two-dimensional layered structure and high theoretical capacity. However, the poor electrical conductivity and unceasing volume change of MoS2 electrode during charge/discharge process will result in its poor rate performance and rapid capacity fading. In this work, few-layered MoS2@N-doped carbon network (F-MoS2@NCN) was synthesized through a facile freeze drying and annealing process. The N-doped carbon network could effectively improve the charge transport ability and accommodate the volume change of MoS2, while the few-layered MoS2 structure could also shorten the Na+ diffusion pathway and improves its diffusion mobility during cycling process. Benefiting from the synergetic effects between N-doped carbon network and few-layered MoS2, F-MoS2@NCN could maintain a high reversible capacity of 354.0 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and deliver a reversible capacity of 298.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1. This work should provide new insights into MoS2-based anode materials for SIBs.