High-conductivity and stable three-dimensional MoS2/Ag@C constructing from multifaceted effects of dopamine for cathodes of high-specific-energy thermal battery

Although two-dimensional MoS 2 exhibits superior properties compared to the bulk, the significant agglomeration and poor conductivity limit the application in energy storage and conversion. In this paper, two-dimensional MoS₂ powders, synthesized using a straightforward ultrasonic method, are employed as the raw material and subsequently self-assembled into three-dimensional MoS₂ through the cross-linking action of dopamine (DA). Utilizing the reduction properties of DA, nano-silver (Ag) is successfully anchored within the layered structure of MoS 2 , which not only enhance conductivity of MoS 2 , but also improve structural stability. Finally, the mixed samples are carbonized to prepare a highly stable and conductive three-dimensional MoS 2 /Ag@C cathode material. In thermal batteries, MoS 2 /Ag@C cathode has a large specific energy of 404.74 Wh kg −1 at 50 mA cm −2 with a cut-off voltage of 1.35 V, which is higher than 26.70 Wh kg −1 of bulk MoS 2 and 107.76 Wh kg −1 of two-dimensional MoS 2 cathodes, respectively. Subsequent studies demonstrate that Ag and pyrolytic carbon enhance the structural stability of the electrode under high-temperature discharge conditions, but also inhibit the interfacial dissolution reaction between MoS 2 and molten salt, ultimately improving the discharge performances.