Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes bonded MoS₂ nanosheets for superior sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have evolved into the most potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) especially for large-scale energy storage applications. However, the large radius of sodium ion inevitably causes large volume change and sluggish ion diffusion kinetics. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as a rising star of anode for SIBs has raised concern because of its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, MoS₂ suffers from low electronic conductivity and serious re-stacking, resulting in declined cycling stability and poor rate capability. Herein, we reported an electrostatic self-assembly process to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) crumpled MXene-bonded MoS₂ nanosheets. The MoS₂/MXene heterostructure not only avoids the serious self-aggregation of MoS₂ nanoparticles but only maintains the chemical and mechanical stability of MoS₂/MXene hybrids during sodiation and desodiation. Strong chemical interactions were validated on the interface of MXene and MoS₂, favoring fast charge transfer kinetics and durable structural stability. The developed MoS₂/MXene electrode exhibits a high specific capacity (509 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.05 A g⁻¹) and considerable cyclability (326 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 900 cycles), manifesting a promising application prospect for SIBs. Our work can provide a rational strategy for the electrode design strategy for SIBs.