Hierarchical MoS₂ microboxes constructed by nanosheets with enhanced electrochemical properties for lithium storage and water splitting

Hierarchical MoS₂ microboxes constructed by ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized by a facile template-assisted strategy. The first step involves the l-cysteine assisted uniform growth of hierarchical MoS₂ nanosheets on MnCO₃ microcube templates which are at the same time converted to MnS. Hierarchical MoS₂ microboxes can be obtained by selectively dissolving MnS through acid washing. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the hierarchical MoS₂ microboxes manifest high specific capacity and excellent cycling performance. The hierarchical MoS₂ microboxes also show enhanced electrocatalytic activity for electrochemical hydrogen evolution from water. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014.