Hierarchical Nanorods Constructed by Vertical WS₂ Nanosheets on Carbon Nanotube Cores with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties

Abstract

A nanorod hybrid constructed by vertical WS2 nanosheets on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) core is synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The WS2 nanorod is difficult to form compared to its MoS2 counterpart because of the relatively sluggish dynamics of W4+. Herein, multi‐site nucleation of WS2 are initiated by the acid‐ and heat‐treated MWCNT bundles with high concentration of defects and functional groups, forming nanorods with high aspect ratio, and inducing strong interface interaction between MWCNTs and WS2. WS2 nanosheets are vertically assembled on the surfaces of MWCNT bundles without agglomeration, exposing abundant active sites for Li+ storage. A three‐dimensional electron conductive network is formed by the nanorods to improve the charge transport efficiency and alleviate the structure change/restacking of WS2 during lithium‐ion batteries cycling. A specific capacity of 963 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 500 cycles is retained by the nanorod hybrid anode, showing excellent electrochemical performances.