Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical assessment of hexagonal molybdenum trioxide (h-MoO3) micro-composites with graphite, graphene and graphene oxide for lithium ion batteries

Hexagonal molybdenum trioxide (h-MoO3) microrods and their composites with graphite, graphene and graphene oxide (GO) are successfully synthesized by a soft chemistry route. The structural, compositional and electronic characteristics of the samples, investigated by a wide range of experimental techniques, evidence that the properties of the carbon material are preserved while yielding phase pure, highly crystalline oxide microstructures. h-MoO3 graphene and GO composites show excellent performance as Li ion batteries (LIBs) anodes. Precisely, h-MoO3 GO electrodes deliver a remarkable specific capacity of 789 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a high current density of 10 0 0 mA g(-1) , while h-MoO3 graphene electrodes show an excellent stability at very high current densities, with specific capacities of 665 mA h g(-1) and 490 mA h g(-1) at 20 0 0 and 3000 mA g(-1). The uniformly dispersed graphene and GO layers increase the structural stability of the composites and create a conductive network ensuring effective ambipolar diffusion of electrons and Li+ ions, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and scanning electron microscopy of the cycled electrodes. These results expand the potential applications of h-MoO3 composites towards LIBs, paving the way for future improvements in this energy storage field. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Hexagonal molybdenum trioxide microrods and their composites with graphite, graphene, and graphene oxide were successfully synthesized using a soft chemistry route. These composites showed excellent performance as anodes in lithium-ion batteries, with high specific capacities and stability at high current densities.