Using MoS2 nanosheets or composites of MoS2 nanosheets for the anode
materials is beneficial to the energy storage
performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In order to understand
the stability of MoS2 nanosheets as the anode material
in LIBs (Li–MoS2 batteries), we study the structural
evolution of MoS2 nanosheets during the lithiation process
by means of in situ scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) and ex situ microstructural analyses. By adjusting
chemical vapor deposition growth parameters, monolayer MoS2 atomic sheets and continuous multilayer MoS2 nanosheets
are respectively prepared for the experiments. In situ SEM analysis of the monolayer MoS2 atomic sheets shows
that phase transformations occur at some voltages during the linear
sweep voltammetry measurement. These reactions are further validated
in Li–MoS2 batteries by cyclic voltammetry. Microstructural
analyses of the MoS2 nanosheet anode confirm that the morphology
of MoS2 anode significantly changes during the initial
lithiation process from the open circuit voltage to 1.1 V. In addition
to the reversible intercalation of Li+ ions, another irreversible
reaction between MoS2 and Li+ ions also occurs
in the lithiation process. This irreversible phase transformation
plays an important role in battery performance when the MoS2 anode material is scaled down.
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