Defect Control in the Synthesis of 2 D MoS₂ Nanosheets: Polysulfide Trapping in Composite Sulfur Cathodes for Li–S Batteries

One of the inherent challenges with Li–S batteries is polysulfide dissolution, in which soluble polysulfide species can contribute to the active material loss from the cathode and undergo shuttling reactions inhibiting the ability to effectively charge the battery. Prior theoretical studies have proposed the possible benefit of defective 2 D MoS₂ materials as polysulfide trapping agents. Herein the synthesis and thorough characterization of hydrothermally prepared MoS₂ nanosheets that vary in layer number, morphology, lateral size, and defect content are reported. The materials were incorporated into composite sulfur-based cathodes and studied in Li–S batteries with environmentally benign ether-based electrolytes. Through directed synthesis of the MoS₂ additive, the relationship between synthetically induced defects in 2 D MoS₂ materials and resultant electrochemistry was elucidated and described.