In Situ Molecular Engineering Strategy to Construct Hierarchical MoS₂ Double-Layer Nanotubes for Ultralong Lifespan "Rocking-Chair" Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have gained considerable attention owing to their low cost and high safety, but dendrite growth, low plating/stripping efficiency, surface passivation, and self-erosion of the Zn metal anode are hindering their application. Herein, a one-step in situ molecular engineering strategy for the simultaneous construction of hierarchical MoS2 double-layer nanotubes (MoS2-DLTs) with expanded layer-spacing, oxygen doping, structural defects, and an abundant 1T-phase is proposed, which are designed as an intercalation-type anode for "rocking-chair" AZIBs, avoiding the Zn anode issues and therefore displaying a long cycling life. Benefiting from the structural optimization and molecular engineering, the Zn2+ diffusion efficiency and interface reaction kinetics of MoS2-DLTs are enhanced. When coupled with a homemade ZnMn2O4 cathode, the assembled MoS2-DLTs//ZnMn2O4 full battery exhibited impressive cycling stability with a capacity retention of 86.6% over 10 000 cycles under 1 A g(anode)(-1), outperforming most of the reported "rocking-chair" AZIBs. The Zn2+/H+ cointercalation mechanism of MoS2-DLTs is investigated by synchrotron in situ powder X-ray diffraction and multiple ex situ characterizations. This research demonstrates the feasibility of MoS2 for Zn-storage anodes that can be used to construct reliable aqueous full batteries.