<i>In Situ</i> Molecular Engineering Strategy to Construct Hierarchical MoS<sub>2</sub> Double-Layer Nanotubes for Ultralong Lifespan “Rocking-Chair” Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Feier Niu, Zhongchao Bai, Junming Chen, Qinfen Gu, Xuchun Wang, Jumeng Wei, Yueyuan Mao, Shi Xue Dou, Nana Wang
Abstract
Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have gained considerable attention owing to their low cost and high safety, but dendrite growth, low plating/stripping efficiency, surface passivation, and self-erosion of the Zn metal anode are hindering their application. Herein, a one-step in situ molecular engineering strategy for the simultaneous construction of hierarchical MoS 2 double-layer nanotubes (MoS 2 -DLTs) with expanded layer-spacing, oxygen doping, structural defects, and an abundant 1T-phase is proposed, which are designed as an intercalation-type anode for “rocking-chair” AZIBs, avoiding the Zn anode issues and therefore displaying a long cycling life. Benefiting from the structural optimization and molecular engineering, the Zn 2+ diffusion efficiency and interface reaction kinetics of MoS 2 -DLTs are enhanced. When coupled with a homemade ZnMn 2 O 4 cathode, the assembled MoS 2 -DLTs//ZnMn 2 O 4 full battery exhibited impressive cycling stability with a capacity retention of 86.6% over 10 000 cycles under 1 A g –1 anode, outperforming most of the reported “rocking-chair” AZIBs. The Zn 2+ /H + cointercalation mechanism of MoS 2 -DLTs is investigated by synchrotron in situ powder X-ray diffraction and multiple ex situ characterizations. This research demonstrates the feasibility of MoS 2 for Zn-storage anodes that can be used to construct reliable aqueous full batteries.