Layered 2H-MoTe₂: a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Transition metal dichalcogenides with well-developed two-dimensional layers and high structural stability provide superior Li⁺ storage property in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). For this study, the MoTe₂ polycrystalline powder sample is prepared using a facile solid-state route. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) along with selected area diffraction (SAD) patterns, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) have been performed to obtain crystallographic, morphological, and chemical information of the as-prepared MoTe₂ powder. SAD patterns and the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study reveal the well-developed crystalline layered structure of the MoTe₂ powder. The as-prepared MoTe₂ electrode showed an initial specific discharge capacity of ~ 452 mAh g^-1 versus lithium metal and a corresponding specific discharge capacity of ~ 279 mAh g^-1 is achieved after 40 cycles at 1.0 A g^-1 current density.