Graphene layer reinforcing mesoporous molybdenum disulfide foam as high-performance anode for sodium-ion battery

Sodium-ion batteries are currently being considered as a promising concept for large-scale energy storage. This is partly due to the low cost and abundancy of sodium and the possibility to use cheaper parts on cell level such as current collector and electrolyte. As an important electrode in a safe rechargeable sodium-ion battery, the electrochemical activity on the anode involves a series of complex electrochemical processes. Therefore, new strategies for material design are required to promote each pivotal step in the optimization of battery performance. Herein, we present a multiscale design of a mesoporous MoS2 foam with a coating of graphene layers as a highly efficient anode for sodium-ion batteries. The resulting composite material delivers impressive electrochemical performance in a half-cell versus metallic sodium with a high specific capacity for sodium ions and a stable performance during cycling for more than 1000 cycles. The strategy introduced in this study opens new opportunities, not only for the development of MoS2 composite anode materials through a multiscale design to maintain high capacity and stability, but also for the development of other sodium-ion battery anode materials.