Core-shell structure of hierarchical quasi-hollow MoS2 microspheres encapsulated porous carbon as stable anode for Li-ion batteries.

Monodisperse sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) microspheres are employed as both the template and carbon source to prepare MoS2 quasi-hollow microspheres-encapsulated porous carbon. The synthesis procedure involves the hydrothermal growth of MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets on the surface of SPS microspheres and subsequent annealing to remove SPS core. Incomplete decomposition of SPS during annealing due to the confining effect of MoS2 shells leaves residual porous carbon in the interior. When being evaluated as the anode materials of Li-ion batteries, the as-prepared C@MoS2 microspheres exhibit excellent cycling stability (95% of capacity retained after 100 cycles) and high rate behavior (560 mAh g(-1) at 5 A g(-1)).