Engineering edge-exposed MoS2 nanoflakes anchored on the 3D cross-linked carbon frameworks for enhanced lithium storage

High-rate capability and long cycle life are currently the two most major challenges for high-power rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Developing electroactive materials with high-efficiency electron/ion transport network and robust mechanical stability is a key. Herein, we have successfully designed and fabricated 3D cross-linked nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet frameworks with good interconnection and hierarchical nanostructures, and simultaneously decorated edge-enriched molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoflakes inside the whole carbon scaffold via a salt template assisted confinement pyrolysis strategy, yielding the unique 3D carbon scaffold/MoS2 hybrids. In such a design, such hybrids not only facilitate lithium diffusion kinetics and efficient utilization of MoS(2)nanoflakes owing to much exposed edges and well interconnection between active components and carbon frameworks, but also provide highly efficient electron/ion transport pathway. When evaluated as anode for lithium storage, the obtained products show superior rate capability of 284 mAh g-1 up to 5 A g-1 and long-term cycling stability. This work demonstrates an efficient solution to design and construct a high-efficiency electron/ion transport network for high-power applications for energy storage devices.