Three-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets embeded within NiTe nanorods forming semicoherent heterojunctions achieving high-performance potassium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets uniformly embedded within NiTe nanorods are synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method and subsequently coated with a carbon layer to form stable NiTe@MoS2@C heterojunctions. The heterojunctions exhibit moderate lattice mismatch (delta =20.0 %), strong electric fields, and uniform carbon shells, resulting in unique electronic configurations and abundant active sites. As an anode for potassiumion batteries, NiTe@MoS2@C demonstrated an high reversible capacity of 258.4 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at a rate of 200 mA g(-1). Moreover, it showed a stable reversible capacity of 177.5 mAh g(-1) at a high rate of 5000 mA g(-1), indicating excellent rate performance. Notably, even in the NiTe@MoS2@C//perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride full battery configuration, a significant reversible capacity of 87.4 mAh g(-1) was maintained after 100 cycles at a rate of 200 mA g(-1), manifesting its remarkable potential for practical applications in potassium-ion batteries. Theoretical calculations further revealed that the well-designed NiTe@MoS2 heterojunction significantly enhances K+ ion diffusion.