MoO3 nanoparticles dispersed uniformly in carbon matrix: a high capacity composite anode for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

A MoO₃–carbon nanocomposite was synthesized from a mixture of MoO₃ and graphite by a controlled ball milling procedure. The as-prepared product consists of nanosized MoO₃ particles (2–180 nm) homogeneously distributed in carbon matrix. The nanocomposite acts as a high capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries and exhibits good cyclic behavior. Its initial capacity exceeds the theoretical capacity of 745 mA h g⁻¹ in a mixture of MoO₃ and graphite (1 : 1 by weight), and the stable capacity of 700 mA h g⁻¹ (94% of the theoretical capacity) is still retained after 120 cycles. The electrode performance is linked with the unique nanoarchitecture of the composite and is compared with the performance of MoO₃-based anode materials reported in the literature previously (nanoparticles, ball milled powders, and carbon-coated nanobelts). The high value of capacity and good cyclic stability of MoO₃–carbon nanocomposite are attractive in respect to those of the reported MoO₃ electrodes.