Few-layered ReS2 nanosheets grown on carbon nanotubes: A highly efficient anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

- Few-layered ReS2 grown on CNTs was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction.
- The ReS2/CNTs delivers much better electrochemical performances than ReS2.
- The enhanced performance is due to porous and conductive structure of ReS2/CNTs.
- The synthesis approach can be extended to other 2D-semiconductor-based composite.

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor, has attracted more and more attention due to its unique anisotropic electronic, optical, mechanical properties. However, the facile synthesis and electrochemical performance of ReS2 and corresponding composite are still necessary to be explored. In this study, for the first time, few-layered ReS2 nanosheets directly nucleated and grown on the tube walls of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized through a facile and one-pot hydrothermal method. Compared with bare ReS2, the ReS2/CNTs composite anode delivers remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance. It exhibits a very high capacity with 1048 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and high capacity retention of 93.6% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C, which are much larger than that of bare ReS2. The significant enhancement in electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to its unique architecture: the CNTs not only guarantee to construct a high conductive and porous internetwork, but also ensure a compact contact with ReS2, which allow for easy electrolyte infiltration, efficient electron transfer and ionic diffusion. The presented synthesis approach can be extended to synthesize other 2D-semiconductor-based composite for energy storage and catalytic devices.

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