Vertically aligned MoS nanosheets on monodisperse MXene as electrolyte-philic cathodes for zinc ion batteries with enhanced capacity.

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attention for their high safety and environmentally friendly nature, and considerable theoretical capacities. Due to its unique two-dimensional layered structure and high theoretical specific capacities, molybdenum disulfide (MoS) presents as a promising cathode material for ZIBs. Nevertheless, the low electrical conductivity and poor hydrophilicity of MoS limits its wide application in ZIBs. In this work, MoS/TiCT composites are effectively constructed using a one-step hydrothermal method, where two-dimensional MoS nanosheets are vertically grown on monodisperse TiCT MXene layers. Contributing to the high ionic conductivity and good hydrophilicity of TiCT, MoS/TiCT composites possess improved electrolyte-philic and conductive properties, leading to a reduced volume expansion effect of MoS and accelerated Zn reaction kinetics. As a result, MoS/TiCT composites exhibit high voltage (1.6 V) and excellent discharge specific capacity of 277.8 mA h g at 0.1 A g, as well as cycle stability as cathode materials for ZIBs. This work provides an effective strategy for developing cathode materials with high specific capacity and stable structure.