Synthesis of Highly Uniform Molybdenum–Glycerate Spheres and Their Conversion into Hierarchical MoS₂Hollow Nanospheres for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Highly uniform Mo–glycerate solid spheres are synthesized for the first time through a solvothermal process. The size of these Mo–glycerate spheres can be easily controlled in the range of 400–1000 nm by varying the water content in the mixed solvent. As a precursor, these Mo–glycerate solid spheres can be converted into hierarchical MoS₂hollow nanospheres through a subsequent sulfidation reaction. Owing to the unique ultrathin subunits and hollow interior, the as-prepared MoS₂hollow nanospheres exhibit appealing performance as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Impressively, these hierarchical structures deliver a high capacity of about 1100 mAh g⁻¹at 0.5 A g⁻¹with good rate retention and long cycle life. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim