MoS₂–CoS₂ synergistic nanoarchitecture-based hollow microspheres for long-life thermal batteries

CoS₂ is considered as a substitute cathode material for FeS₂ in long-life thermal batteries due to its higher thermal stability. However, the CoS₂ nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal method suffer from serious agglomeration and high crystal defects, which limit their specific capacity and thermal stability. Here, we successfully synthesized a MoS₂–CoS₂ synergistic nanoarchitecture-based hollow microsphere through a facile one-pot hydrothermal route. A three-stage growth mechanism of MoS₂–CoS₂ microsphere during the evolution process is revealed. The agglomeration problems are solved and the electrochemical properties are improved due to the porous loose structure as well as the synergistic effect of CoS₂ and MoS₂. As a result, MoS₂–CoS₂ cathode exhibits a long discharge time of 4800 s and a large specific capacity of 333.33 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 50 mA cm⁻² under a cut-off voltage of 1 V at 500 °C. Moreover, good pulse stability and thermal shock resistance are also achieved. This work provides a promising design strategy for cathode materials with high stability and high capacity to realize long-life thermal batteries.