Enhancing stable and rapid Li+/Na+ storage performance via interface engineering of confining Co3S₄/1T-MoS₂ heterostructure on nitrogen-doped carbon

Abstract

Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) exhibit high theoretical capacity as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, their practical application is severely hindered by poor cycling stability. In this study, Co₃S₄/1T-MoS₂ heterostructure was confined on nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets composite (Co₃S₄/1T-MoS₂@NC) by high-temperature pyrolysis and hydrothermal sulfidation, using ZIF-67 as the precursor, modulated by a small-molecule carbon source. The heterostructure between Co₃S₄ and 1T-MoS₂ synergistically enhances the electrical conductivity and rapid diffusion kinetics. The aggregation of MoS₂ nanosheets at the interface effectively enhances the electrochemical performance of the material, while the nitrogen-doped carbon generated at the interface provides additional active sites. This interface engineering and the formation of heterostructures endow the material with improved ion storage capabilities. The composite remains high specific capacities of 1192.2 mAh g⁻¹ for LIBs and 615.3 mAh g^-1 for SIBs after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1. The combination of enhanced charge transport and structural stability highlights the potential of the heterostructure strategy for next-generation high-performance alkali metal-ion batteries.