l-Ascorbic Acid-Assistant Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide with Varied Morphologies for Accelerating Electrochemical Kinetics in Zinc-Ion Batteries

The two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) with a layered structure is a prevalent material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. However, the intercalation of zinc ions can be hindered by high energy barriers, resulting in sluggish electrochemical kinetics and reduced capacity. In this study, MoS₂ with varied morphologies are synthesized utilizing l-ascorbic acid, which significantly influences the formation of MoS₂, yielding smaller nanoflowers with increased surface area and sulfur vacancies. Consequently, a MoS₂ electrode with a surface area of 82.7 m² g^-1 demonstrates enhanced rate capability and a higher specific capacity of 184.9 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1. At a current density of 5 A g^-1, it maintains a capacity of 111.7 mA h g^-1. Furthermore, after 100 cycles at 5 A g^-1, the capacity sustains at 91.4 mA h g^-1, approximately three times that of the pristine MoS₂ electrode. Improved hydrophilicity, an enhanced Zn²⁺ diffusion coefficient, and decreased internal resistance are likely to facilitate zinc-ion diffusion, thereby improving the electrochemical performance.