Uniform growth of MoS₂ nanosheets on carbon nanofibers with enhanced electrochemical utilization for Li-ion batteries

A facile route for the uniform growth of MoS₂ nanosheets on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) via a simple hydrothermal method is reported. The CNF network provides a porous and three-dimensional scaffold for the deposition of ultrathin MoS₂ nanosheets. Benefiting from the highly conductive and porous CNFs as well as the nanostructured MoS₂, the coaxial MoS₂@CNFnanocomposites(*), when served as a binder-free and flexible anode for Li-ion batteries, could generate a synergistic effect to gain a high electrochemical utilization of MoS₂. As a result, the nanocomposites exhibit a high reversible capacity of 846 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹, excellent high-rate capability (455 mAh g⁻¹ even at 2 A g⁻¹), and good cycling retention with only 7.4% capacity degradation after 100 cycles. The superior Li-ion storage properties enable the nanocomposites to hold great potential application in high-performance Li-ion batteries.