Hierarchical MoS2@Polypyrrole core-shell microspheres with enhanced electrochemical performances for lithium storage

Highlights: • MoS₂@PPY core-shell microspheres were synthesized. • Hierarchical microsphere structure and conductive PPY protective shell are realized. • Reversible capacity of MoS₂@PPY electrodes can maintain 1012 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g⁻¹. • MoS₂@PPY electrodes exhibit superior electrochemical performances than bare MoS₂ electrodes. Advanced anode materials for lithium ion batteries are central to the area of electrical energy storage devices. Herein, we have developed a two-step strategy for synthesizing MoS₂@polypyrrole (MoS₂@PPY) core-shell microspheres. In such a novel architecture, the MoS₂ microspheres are homogeneously wrapped by conductive polypyrrole coating forming core-shell microspheres. As a preliminary test, the obtained MoS₂@PPY microspheres exhibit greatly enhanced electrochemical performances for lithium storage compared with un-modified MoS₂ microspheres. The MoS₂@PPY microsphere electrode displays a high specific capacity of 1012 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 200 mA g⁻¹ and high rate performance (600 mAh g⁻¹ at 4000 mA g⁻¹). The superior electrochemical performances are attributed to the advantageous combination of hierarchical microsphere structure and conductive PPY coating.