Performance of Silicon Carbonitride Functionalized MoS$_{2}$ Nanosheets as Lithium-ion Battery Anode

Liquid-phase exfoliated MoS$_{2}$ was functionalized with polysilazane polymer to yield ceramic SiCN-MoS$_{2}$ layered composite upon pyrolysis. Ceramization of polymer to ceramic phase on surfaces on MoS$_{2}$ was confirmed by electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical behavior of MoS$_{2}$ and SiCN-MoS$_{2}$ on both traditional and paper-based electrode architecture was investigated in a Lithium ion battery half-cell configuration. All electrodes showed the classical 3-phase behavior characteristic of a conversion reaction. SiCN-MoS$_{2}$ composite paper showed more stable cycling and higher reversible capacity retention than MoS$_{2}$. The contribution of conversion reaction in MoS$_{2}$ or electrolyte decomposition in overall capacity was found to reduce in SiCN-MoS$_{2}$ specimen, which is understood as one of the reason for decreased first cycle loss and increased capacity retention for SiCN-MoS$_{2}$ composite. In addition, the freestanding composite paper exhibited excellent C-rate performance, regaining approx. 97{\%} of its initial charge capacity when the current density was reduced to 100 mA.g$^{-1}$ (508 mAh.g$^{-1})$ from 2400 mA.g$^{-1}$ (170 mAh.g$^{-1})$.