Multifunctional Carbon Layer Bridging TiO2 Nanotubes and MoS2 Nanosheets for Enhanced Lithium Storage

This article ingeniously adopts a glucose-assisted hydrothermal method to bridge TiO2 nanotubes and MoS2 nanosheets with a multifunctional carbon layer (C), synthesizing three-dimensional (3D) TiO2@C@MoS2 composites. The multifunctional carbon layer bridges MoS2 nanosheets and TiO2 nanotubes by creating C-S and Ti-O-C chemical bonds, which not only reduces the mechanical stress of the composites during charge/discharge cycling and enhances the structural stability of the composites but also improves the overall conductivity of the composites. Furthermore, the one-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanotubes act as a reliable skeleton for the growth of MoS2 nanosheets, effectively shortening the transport path for ions/electrons. The MoS2 nanosheets on the surface contribute to an increase in active sites for electrochemical reactions, thus bringing about faster charge transfer within the material. As a result, the overall electrochemical properties of the composites are improved. The prepared TiO2@C@MoS2 composites show up to an initial discharge specific capacity of 881.77 mAh g(-1), sustaining a capacity retention of 81% even after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g(-1). The outstanding specific capacity and impressive cyclic stability are ascribed to the unique synergistic effect of the multifunctional carbon layer bridging TiO2 nanotubes and MoS2 nanosheets. This preparation offers a perspective for the synthesis of other composite materials, broadening the horizons of lithium-ion battery anode research.