A Facile One-Pot Stepwise Hydrothermal Method for the Synthesis of 3D MoS2/RGO Composites with Improved Lithium Storage Properties

Three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (RGO) matrix decorated with nanoflowers of layered MoS2 (denoted as 3D MoS2/RGO) have been synthesized via a facile one-pot stepwise hydrothermal method. Graphene oxide (GO) is used as precursor of RGO and a 3D GO network is formed in the first-step of hydrothermal treatment. At the second stage of hydrothermal treatment, nanoflowers of layered MoS2 formand anchor on the surface of previously formed 3D RGO network. In this preparation, thiourea not only induces the formation of the 3D architecture at a relatively low temperature, but also works as sulfur precursor of MoS2. The synthesized composites have been investigated with XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectra, TGA, N-2 sorption technique and electrochemical measurements. In comparison with normal MoS2/RGO composites, the 3D MoS2/RGO composite shows improved electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. A high reversible capacity of 930 mAh.g(-1) after 130 cycles under a current density of 200 mA.g(-1) as well as good rate capability and superior cyclic stability have been observed. The superior electrochemical performance of the 3D MoS2/RGO composite as anode active material for lithium-ion battery is ascribed to its robust 3D structures, enhanced surface area and the synergistic effect between graphene matrix and the MoS2 nanoflowers subunit.