Enhanced performance of lithium-sulfur batteries with an ultrathin and lightweight MoS2/carbon nanotube interlayer

Ultrathin and lightweight MoS2/carbon nanotube (CNT) interlayers are developed to effectively trap polysulfides in high-performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The MoS2/CNT interlayer is constructed by loading MoS2 nanosheets onto a cross-stacked CNT film. The CNT film with excellent conductivity and superior mechanical properties provides the Li–S batteries with a uniform conductive network, a supporting skeleton for the MoS2 nanosheets, as well as a physical barrier for the polysulfides. Moreover, chemical interactions and bonding between the MoS2 nanosheets and the polysulfides are evident. The electrode with the MoS2/CNT interlayer delivers an attractive specific capacity of 784 mA h g−1 at a high capacity rate of 10 C. In addition, the electrode demonstrates a high initial capacity of 1237 mA h g−1 and a capacity fade as low as −0.061% per cycle over 500 charge/discharge cycles at 0.2 C. The problem of self-discharge can also be suppressed with the introduction of the MoS2/CNT interlayer. The simple fabrication procedure, which is suitable for commercialization, and the outstanding electrochemical performance of the cells with the MoS2/CNT interlayer demonstrate a great potential for the development of high-performance Li–S batteries.