Self-assembled MoS2/C nanoflowers with expanded interlayer spacing as a high-performance anode for sodium ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanomaterials have been extensively studied due to their special structure and high theoretical capacity, but it is still a huge challenge to improve its cycle stability and achieve superior fast charge and discharge performance. Herein, a facile one-step hydrothermal method is proposed to synthetize an ordered and self-assembled MoS2 nanoflower (MoS2/C NF) with expanded interlayer spacing via embedding a carbon layer into the interlayer. The carbon layer in the MoS2 interlayer can speed the transfer of electrons, while the nanoflower structure promotes the ions transport and improves the structural stability during the charging/discharging process. Therefore, MoS2/C NF electrode exhibits exceptional rate performance (318.2 and 302.3 mA·h·g−1 at 5.0 and 10.0 A·g−1, respectively) and extraordinary cycle durability (98.8% retention after 300 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A·g−1). This work provides a simple and feasible method for constructing high-performance anode composites for sodium ion batteries with excellent cycle durability and fast charge/discharge ability.