A Facile One-Pot Stepwise Hydrothermal Method for the Synthesis of 3D MoS2/RGO Composites with Improved Lithium Storage Properties

Three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (RGO) matrix decorated with nanoflowers of layered MoS 2 (denoted as 3D MoS 2 /RGO) have been synthesized via a facile one-pot stepwise hydrothermal method. Graphene oxide (GO) is used as precursor of RGO and a 3D GO network is formed in the first-step of hydrothermal treatment. At the second stage of hydrothermal treatment, nanoflowers of layered MoS 2 form and anchor on the surface of previously formed 3D RGO network. In this preparation, thiourea not only induces the formation of the 3D architecture at a relatively low temperature, but also works as sulfur precursor of MoS 2 . The synthesized composites have been investigated with XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectra, TGA, N 2 sorption technique and electrochemical measurements. In comparison with normal MoS 2 /RGO composites, the 3D MoS 2 /RGO composite shows improved electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. A high reversible capacity of 930[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 130 cycles under a current density of 200[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] as well as good rate capability and superior cyclic stability have been observed. The superior electrochemical performance of the 3D MoS 2 /RGO composite as anode active material for lithium-ion battery is ascribed to its robust 3D structures, enhanced surface area and the synergistic effect between graphene matrix and the MoS 2 nanoflowers subunit.