Uniform Yolk-Shell MoS2@Carbon Microsphere Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

As an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries LIBs), MoS2 has attracted much attention because of its high capacity and low cost. However, the rational design of a novel electrode structure with a high capacity, fast charge/discharge rate, and long cycling lifetime remains a great challenge. Herein, a environmentally friendly etching strategy is reported for the construction of monodisperse, inner void-controlled yolk-shell MoS2@ carbon microspheres. The resulting anode reveals an initial discharge capacity up to 1813 mA hg(-1), a high reversible capacity 1016 mA hg(-1)), excellent cycling stability 200 cycles), and superior rate performance. Such microspheres consist of nanosized MoS2 yolks approximate to 280 nm), porous carbon shells approximate to 25 nm) and wellcontrolled internal voids in between, opening a new pathway for the optimization of the electrochemical properties of MoS2-based anodes without sacrificing their capacity. In addition, this etching strategy offers a new method for the development of functional, hollow MoS2-based composites.