Hierarchical MoS2 nanosheet/active carbon fiber cloth as a binder-free and free-standing anode for lithium-ion batteries.

Owing to the layered structure and high theoretical capacity, MoS2 has attracted more and more interest as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, it suffers from rapid capacity decay and low rate capability. In this work, we introduce a novel hierarchical material consisting of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets grown on the surface of an active carbon fiber (ACF) cloth fabricated by a facile morphogenetic process. The ACF cloth acts as both a template and a stabilizer. The obtained MoS2/ACF cloth composite possesses hierarchical porosity and an interconnected framework. Serving as a free-standing and binder-free anode, it shows high specific capacity and excellent reversibility. A discharge capacity as high as 971 mA h g(-1) is attained at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1), and the capacity fade is only 0.15% per cycle within 90 cycles. Even after 200 cycles at a high current density of 0.5 A g(-1), the composite still shows a capacity of 418 mA h g(-1). The superior electrochemical performance of MoS2/ACF can be attributed to its robust structure and to the synergistic effects of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets and ACF. This single-component anode that we propose benefits from a simplified electrode preparation process. The morphogenetic strategy used for the material production is facile but effective, and can be extended to prepare other metal sulfides with elaborate textural characteristics.