Rational design of a 3D MoS₂/dual-channel graphene framework hybrid as a free-standing electrode for enhanced lithium storage

Integrating high-capacity MoS₂ with carbon materials, especially graphene, into a rationally designed structure has been demonstrated an effective strategy to construct anode materials with superior electrochemical performance for application in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a rationally designed 3D MoS₂/dual-channel graphene framework (MoS₂/GA-GF) hybrid has been constructed through a two-step method. This dual-channel graphene framework (GA-GF) consists of two types of channels with different graphene types, graphene foam channels improving electron transport and graphene aerogel channels facilitating Li ion diffusion. With this structure, the MoS₂/GA-GF hybrid can efficiently improve electron and Li ion transport kinetics and accommodate the MoS₂ volume change during cycling. Benefiting from the above merits, the MoS₂/GA-GF electrode as a free-standing electrode presents a high initial capacity (1404 mA h g^-1) with a high initial coulombic efficiency (81.7%), excellent rate capability (593 mA h g^-1 at 5 A g^-1) and a superior long-term cycling stability (843 mA h g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 after 500 cycles) when evaluated as an LIB anode. Therefore, the GA-GF as a support and current collector is expected to be ideal for application in LIBs and other electrochemical energy storage devices.