Ridge-like Ni supported WS2 films for lithium storage application

•Porous WS2 film was deposited via a magnetron sputtering method.•Ridge-like Ni architecture coated Cu foil was used as current collector.•The WS2/Ni/Cu exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as anode for LIBs.

Porous WS2 films have been deposited on ridge-like Ni coated Cu foils using a magnetron sputtering system, their morphology and structure were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectrometer. Electrochemical evaluation showed that, as negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries, the representative ridge-like Ni supported WS2 film electrode performs a high reversible capacity and excellent rate capability which can deliver a discharge capacity as high as 1180 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1. The capacities almost remain the same as the current density increases from 100 to 800 mA g−1. Even at 1600 mA g−1, the electrode can deliver a capacity as high as 986 mA h g−1.

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