MoS 2 co-doped with transition metal and nitrogen for ultrahigh Li-storage capacity

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is a versatile material known for its ability to adjust its bandgap and morphology, as well as its unique ability to support foreign elements, which can induce electrochemical activity within its basal planes. Our research demonstrates that the incorporation of transition metal (TM) atoms and nitrogen species to MoS 2, both on its basal planes and edges, can significantly improve the adsorption and diffusion of Li-ion within the material. This, in turn, leads to a marked improvement in Li-ion storage capacity and rate performance. Of all the TM elements we tested, we found that Co-doping holds particular promise for reducing charge transfer resistance at the edges, as well as improving ionic diffusion within the MoS 2 interlayer. Our electrochemical measurements indicate that Co-doped MoS 2 exhibits an outstanding specific capacity of 1590.4 and 846.0 mAh g −1 at 0.1 and 5.0 A g −1, respectively, and retains 80.8 % of its capacity even after 400 cycles at 1.0 A g −1. Our findings serve as an inspiration for future research aimed at identifying the optimal metal type and concentration for high-capacity/rate Li-ion storage within MoS 2.