MoS₂ nanosheets fixed on network carbon derived from apple pomace for fast Na storage kinetics

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), as a typical two-dimensional material with high theorical capacity (670 mAh g⁻¹), is widely used for electrode material in energy storage systems. However, the inferior electronic conductivity, low stability, and sluggish kinetics make it prone to stack during cycling, resulting in a poor lifespan and rate performance. In this work, a 3D network porous structure MoS₂/OAPC composite was fabricated by carbonizing biowaste apple pomace (AP) collected from concentrated juice factory, then oxidizing apple pomace carbon (APC), and finally sulfurizing (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄∙4H₂O/OAPC preform. The oxidization process ensures rich surface oxygen-containing functional groups on OAPC, which will provide necessary nucleation sites for the growth of MoS₂, enhance the interfacial bonding strength and effectively avoid the agglomeration of MoS₂ sheets resulting in a stable structure and high conductivity. In addition, the 3D porous connectivity structure provides necessary guarantee for the fast kinetics of sodium transport. Therefore, the MoS₂/OAPC anode exhibits a high capacity of 601.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹. When the current density is as high as 2 A g⁻¹, a promising rate capacity of 297.2 mAh g⁻¹ can still be maintained.