Enhanced Li⁺ storage properties of few-layered MoS₂-C composite microspheres embedded with Si nanopowder

A few-layered MoS₂-C composite material is studied as a supporting material for silicon nanopowder. Microspheres of the few-layered MoS₂-C composite embedded with 30 wt.% Si nanopowder are prepared by one-pot spray pyrolysis. The Si nanopowder particles with high capacity are completely surrounded by the few-layered MoS₂-C composite matrix. The discharge capacities of the MoS₂-C composite microspheres with and without 30 wt.% Si nanopowder after 100 cycles are 1, 020 and 718 mAh·g^-1 at a current density of 1, 000 mA·g^-1, respectively. The spherical morphology of the MoS₂-C composite microspheres embedded with Si nanopowder is preserved even after 100 cycles because of their high structural stability during cycling. The MoS₂-C composite layer prevents the formation of unstable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layers on the Si nanopowder. Furthermore, as the MoS₂-C composite matrix exhibits high capacity and excellent cycling performance, these characteristics are also reflected in the MoS₂-C composite microspheres embedded with 30 wt.% Si nanopowder.