Enhanced electrochemical performances of MoO2 nanoparticles composited with carbon nanotubes for lithium-ion battery anodes

Abstract

The nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with homogenously anchored molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) nanoparticles of 20–50 nm have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Glucose has dual functions, i.e., reducing agent and surfactant to prohibit the anisotropic growth, resulting in the direct deposition of MoO₂ nanoparticles on the CNT surfaces. As the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the as-prepared MoO₂/CNT nanocomposites deliver a higher reversible capacity of 640 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, compared to only 246 and 259 mA h g⁻¹ for MoO₃ nanobelts/CNT composites and MoO₂ nanoparticles, respectively. The superior electrochemical performances are attributed to the nanocomposite structure of MoO₂ nanoparticles anchored on CNTs, which have efficiently enhanced the electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusion, and maintained the integrity of electrode during the charge/discharge processes.