Growth of three dimensional flower-like molybdenum disulfide hierarchical structures on graphene/carbon nanotube network: An advanced heterostructure for energy storage devices

We report the design and synthesis of three dimensional flower-like molybdenum disulphide (f-MoS₂) hierarchical structures, on reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube (o-MWCNT) backbone (f-MoS₂/RGO/o-MWCNT), through one-pot hydrothermal method. Control experiments reveal that the homogenously distributed o-MWCNTs on RGO play an essential role for the formation of such morphology. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the f-MoS₂/RGO/o-MWCNT hybrid delivers a high reversible capacity of 1275 mAh g^-1 at the current density of 100 mA g^-1, superior rate capability and excellent long cycle life, with capacity retention of 93% after 100 cycles. The outstanding electrochemical performance can be attributed to the large surface area, short diffusion length and continuous electron transport pathway, as a consequence of the intimate contact between f-MoS₂, graphene, and o-MWCNTs.