Transition metal dichalcogenide based nanomaterials for rechargeable batteries

Transition metal dichalcogenide based (TMD-based) nanomaterials have emerged as important candidates of electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their unique physical properties. TMDs are abundant in environmentally friendly natural ore and have excellent large-current charge/discharge capability, ultra-long life and wide operation temperature region. In this review, a brief introduction of recent developments about TMD-based nanocomposite electrodes was provided. Subsequently, synthetic routes to TMD-based nanocomposites and their electrochemical performances in rechargeable batteries were stated in detail. The state-of-the-art advances in the relation between rationally designed structures and electrochemical performances of TMD-based nanocomposite electrode materials were summarized. Potential research directions and important scientific problems of TMD-based materials were also proposed in the hope of solving the emerging problems of TMD-based batteries. It is predicted that TMD materials, particularly MoS2 and FeS2, will slowly re-establish themselves as promising candidates for crucial components of heavy-duty energy-storage devices such as electric cars, energy-storage stations, smart grids and so on.