Vertically aligned 1 T phase MoS2 nanosheet array for high-performance rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Recently, low-cost and environment-friendly rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have attracted extensive attention. However, the development of excellent performance cathode is still one of major challenge. Herein, for the first time, we successfully fabricated a free-standing cathode with vertically aligned 1 T phase MoS2 nanosheet array on carbon cloth and comprehensively investigated its rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries performance. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of vertically aligned 1 T phase MoS2 nanosheet array and free-standing structure, the free-standing cathode displays a outstanding specific capacity of 198 mA h g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1. Impressively, it exhibits distinguished cycling stability, even when cycled at current density of 2000 mA g−1, that the specific capacity retention of 97.2% and 87.8% can be obtained after 1000 and 2000 cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved were clarfied by combining systematical characterizations and density functional theory calculations. This work will bring new insights for preparing high-performance rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries cathode materials for large-scale energy storage.