Synthesis of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) for lithium ion battery applications

This paper reports the use of a rheological phase reaction method for preparing MoS2 nanoflakes. The characterization by powder X-ray diffraction indicated that MoS2 had been formed. High resolution electron microscopy observation revealed that the as-prepared MoS2 nanoflakes had started to curve and partly form MoS2 nanotubes. The lithium intercalation/de-intercalation behavior of as-prepared MoS2 nanoflake electrode was also investigated. It was found that the MoS2 nanoflake electrode exhibited higher specific capacity, with very high cycling stability, compared to MoS2 nanoparticle electrode. The possible reasons for the high electrochemical performance of the nanoflakes electrodes are also discussed. The outstanding electrochemical properties of MoS2 nanoflakes obtained by this method make it possible for MoS2 to be used as a promising anode material.