Hierarchical Nanoflower‐like MoO2@C Composites as Anode for Stable Li‐Ion Storage

Abstract

High theoretical specific capacity of transition metal oxide electrodes of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) generally causes a large volume collapse during cycling, which would eventually result in the reduced cyclability of the battery. Herein, a nanoflower‐like MoO2@C composite (NF‐MOCC) electrode is successfully synthesized and impressively displays enhanced electrochemical performance when used as anode for Li‐ion storage. The introduction of the C content and the obtained hierarchical nanostructures with excellent buffering effect are favorable to alleviate the volume change of the MoO2 host material, thus bringing superior cycle life. Moreover, the in/ex situ X‐ray diffraction and the postmorphology analysis are used to reveal the Li‐ion storage mechanism during cycling. A full battery of NF‐MOCC||LiCoO2 is also assembled and displays remarkable cyclability, which again verifies the positive effect of the as‐optimized MoO2 electrode. It is believed that the developed nanoflower‐like MoO2@C composites with superb structure stability can be a promising anode for LIBs in the future.