Hierarchical mesoporous MoS2 frameworks with conformal carbon coating as a high-rate and stable anode in Li-ion battery.

• Hierarchical mesoporous MoS 2 frameworks (HM-MoS 2) are synthesized via a facile phase-segregation route. • In situ formed ZnS nanoparticles play a role of the hard template, creating mesopores and interconnected channels. • The mesoporous structure of HM-MoS 2 enables the uniform, protective, and conductive carbon coating (HM-MoS 2 /C 100). • HM-MoS 2 /C 100 exhibits a high rate capability of 396.8 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a prolonged cyclability. Hierarchical or mesoporous-structured molybdenum disulfides (MoS 2) are one of the promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their abundant active sites, fast ion transport, and easy permeation of electrolyte. However, the synthesis of such architectures with precise structural control is challenging, often requiring preliminary fabrication of templates or special equipment. Herein, we report hierarchical and mesoporous MoS 2 frameworks (HM-MoS 2) synthesized via a facile phase-segregation route, where ZnS nanoparticles are in situ formed as the hard template. The mesopores and interconnected channels created by removing ZnS nanoparticles enable the uniform carbon coating on HM-MoS 2. When employed as an anode in LIB, the HM-MoS 2 of an optimal carbon coating exhibits a high rate capability of 396.8 mA.h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a prolonged cyclability with only 2.8 % of capacity decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]