Fabrication of flower-like MoS2/TiO2 hybrid as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

A three-dimensional (3D) flower-like MoS2/TiO2 nanohybrid was synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method. It is found that the MoS2/TiO2 nanohybrid is assembled with MoS2 nanosheets and TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2 nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed on the MoS2 nanosheets. Moreover, the MoS2/TiO2 nanohybrid displays excellent electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 801 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. It also demonstrates outstanding rate behavior with a reversible discharge capacity of 660 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 and retains a capacity of about 760 mA h g−1 as the current density is returned back to 100 mA g−1. Compared with MoS2, the MoS2/TiO2 nanohybrid displays enhanced cycling stability and superior rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance may be attributed to the favorable synergistic effect between MoS2 and TiO2. The TiO2 particles may enhance the structure stability and shorten the transport distance of ions across the surface.