One-pot Synthesis of Hierarchical Flower-like WS2 Microspheres as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

3D hierarchical flowerlike WS2 microspheres were synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman. SEM images of the samples reveal that the hierarchical flowerlike WS2 microspheres with diameters of about 3-5 mu m are composed of a number of curled nanosheets. Electrochemical tests such as charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, cycle life and rate performance were carried out on the WS2 sample. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, hierarchical flowerlike WS2 microspheres show excellent electrochemical performance. At a current density of 100 mA center dot g(-1), a high specific capacity of 647.8 mA center dot h center dot g(-1 )was achieved after 120 discharge/charge cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance of WS2 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries can be attributed to its special 3D hierarchical structure.