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

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.

Synthesis and characterization of hexagonal and truncated hexagonal shaped MoO3 nanoplates

Hexagonal and truncated hexagonal shaped MoO₃ nanoplates (MoO₃ HNP) were synthesized through a simple vapor-deposition method in Ar atmosphere under ambient pressure without the assistant of any catalysts. The structure and morphology of MoO₃ HNP were investigated by XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM. The results reveal that the HNP are α-MoO₃ and have a large area surface. The Raman spectrum shows a significant size effect on the vibrational property of MoO₃ HNP. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum was carried out, and two peaks at 351 and 410 nm were observed in the spectrum. In addition, a possible growth mechanism proposed as VS is discussed in detail.