Multifunctional Carbon\nLayer Bridging TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanotubes and MoS<sub>2</sub> Nanosheets\nfor Enhanced Lithium Storage

This article ingeniously adopts a glucose-assisted hydrothermal\nmethod to bridge TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes and MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets\nwith a multifunctional carbon layer (C), synthesizing three-dimensional\n(3D) TiO<sub>2</sub>@C@MoS<sub>2</sub> composites. The multifunctional\ncarbon layer bridges MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets and TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes by creating C–S and Ti–O–C chemical\nbonds, which not only reduces the mechanical stress of the composites\nduring charge/discharge cycling and enhances the structural stability\nof the composites but also improves the overall conductivity of the\ncomposites. Furthermore, the one-dimensional (1D) TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes\nact as a reliable skeleton for the growth of MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets,\neffectively shortening the transport path for ions/electrons. The\nMoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets on the surface contribute to an increase\nin active sites for electrochemical reactions, thus bringing about\nfaster charge transfer within the material. As a result, the overall\nelectrochemical properties of the composites are improved. The prepared\nTiO<sub>2</sub>@C@MoS<sub>2</sub> composites show up to an initial\ndischarge specific capacity of 881.77 mAh g<sup>–1</sup>, sustaining\na capacity retention of 81% even after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g<sup>–1</sup>. The outstanding specific capacity and impressive cyclic stability\nare ascribed to the unique synergistic effect of the multifunctional\ncarbon layer bridging TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes and MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets. This preparation offers a perspective for the synthesis\nof other composite materials, broadening the horizons of lithium-ion\nbattery anode research.