Self-Supported Lithium Titanium Oxide Nanosheet Arrays Decorated with Molybdenum Disulfide for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Hierarchical nanocomposites of lithium titanium oxide (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂; LTO) nanosheet arrays decorated with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) were synthesized by a hydrothermal approach. Compared to LTO, the as-synthesized composites showed much improved capacity (433 mA h g⁻¹ after 70 cycles at various current densities), good rate capability (320 mA h g⁻¹ and 210 mA h g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹ and 2000 mA g⁻¹, respectively), outstanding cycle stability (174 mA h g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 5000 mA g⁻¹), and a wide operating temperature range, extending from −15 to 55 °C when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The excellent performance of the MoS₂@LTO composites could be attributed to the improved conductivity and unique hierarchical structure that provides a high contact surface area and reduced diffusion paths for both ion and electron transport. The results give clear evidence of the usefulness of MoS₂ when improving the electrochemical properties of LTO electrodes, promising advanced batteries with high capacity and long cycle life.