MoS₂ self-embedded in pleated carbon pyrolyzed by ionic liquids as a high-performance anode materials for lithium-/sodium-ion batteries

MoS₂ is a promising anode with high theoretical capacity in lithium-/sodium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the unstable structure and poor conductivity of MoS₂ limit its practical applications. Herein, a carbon layer-coated MoS₂ composite (MoS₂/C) is synthesized by a pyrolysis strategy, in which ionic liquid-derived carbon improves the conductivity and structural stability of composites by wrapping MoS₂. When MoS₂/C composite is used as anode in lithium-/sodium-ion batteries, it exhibits excellent stability, high capacity and long cycle life. After 50 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, the lithium storage capacity of the MoS₂/C composite is more than 760 mAh g⁻¹, and the sodium storage capacity reaches 480 mAh g⁻¹. When the current density is 2 A g⁻¹, the sodium storage capacity maintains at 355 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles. Even after 1000 cycles, it still exhibits a stable lithium storage capacity of 350 mAh g⁻¹ at the current density of 4 A g⁻¹. The improved performance of MoS₂/C composite can be explained by its stable structure and high charge mobility.