Synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline α-MoO3 nanofibers for enhanced Li-ion intercalation applications

Abstract

High quality, single-crystalline α-MoO₃ nanofibers are synthesized by rapid hydrothermal method using a polymeric nitrosyl-complex of molybdenum(II) as molybdenum source without employing catalysts, surfactants, or templates. The possible reaction pathway is decomposition and oxidation of the complex to the polymolybdate and then surface condensation on the energetically favorable [001] direction in the initially formed nuclei of solid α-MoO₃ under hydrothermal conditions. Highly crystalline α-MoO₃ nanofibers have grown along [001] with lengths up to several micrometres and widths ranging between 280 and 320 nm. The α-MoO₃ nanofibers exhibit desirable electrochemical properties such as high capacity reversibility as a cathode material of a Li-ion battery.