Hierarchical Hollow‐Nanocube Ni−Co Skeleton@MoO3/MoS2 Hybrids for Improved‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Improving the performance of anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is a hotly debated topic. Herein, hollow Ni−Co skeleton@MoS2/MoO3 nanocubes (NCM‐NCs), with an average size of about 193 nm, have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal reaction. Specifically, MoO3/MoS2 composites are grown on Ni−Co skeletons derived from nickel–cobalt Prussian blue analogue nanocubes (Ni−Co PBAs). The Ni−Co PBAs were synthesized through a precipitation method and utilized as self‐templates that provided a larger specific surface area for the adhesion of MoO3/MoS2 composites. According to Raman spectroscopy results, as‐obtained defect‐rich MoS2 is confirmed to be a metallic 1T‐phase MoS2. Furthermore, the average particle size of Ni−Co PBAs (≈43 nm) is only about one‐tenth of the previously reported particle size (≈400 nm). If assessed as anodes of LIBs, the hollow NCM‐NC hybrids deliver an excellent rate performance and superior cycling performance (with an initial discharge capacity of 1526.3 mAh g−1 and up to 1720.6 mAh g−1 after 317 cycles under a current density of 0.2 A g−1). Meanwhile, ultralong cycling life is retained, even at high current densities (776.6 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 700 cycles and 584.8 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 800 cycles). Moreover, at a rate of 1 A g−1, the average specific capacity is maintained at 661 mAh g−1. Thus, the hierarchical hollow NCM‐NC hybrids with excellent electrochemical performance are a promising anode material for LIBs. Power of three: To improve the performance of anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, hollow Ni−Co skeleton@MoS2/MoO3 nanocubes, with an average size of about 193 nm, have been synthesized through a facile self‐templated hydrothermal reaction. This synthetic process is simple, repeatable, and low cost, and the resulting hybrids deliver an excellent electrochemical performance.