Employing synergistic interactions between few-layer WS2 and reduced graphene oxide to improve lithium storage, cyclability and rate capability of Li-ion batteries

The aim of the contribution is to introduce a high performance anode alternative to graphite for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). A simple process was employed to synthesize uniform graphene-like few-layer tungsten sulfide (WS2) supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through a hydrothermal synthesis route. The WS2–RGO (80:20 and 70:30) composites exhibited good enhanced electrochemical performance and excellent rate capability performance when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The specific capacity of the WS2–RGO composite delivered a capacity of 400–450mAhg−1 after 50 cycles when cycled at a current density of 100mAg−1. At 4000mAg−1, the composites showed a stable capacity of approximately 180–240mAhg−1, respectively. The noteworthy electrochemical performance of the composite is not additive, rather it is synergistic in the sense that the electrochemical performance is much superior compared to both WS2 and RGO. As the observed lithiation/delithiation for WS2–RGO is at a voltage≈1.0V (≈0.1V for graphite, Li+/Li), the lithium-ion battery with WS2–RGO is expected to possess high interface stability, safety and management of electrical energy is expected to be more efficient and economic.