High-performance CNT-wired MoO3 nanobelts for Li-storage application

Abstract

We report a nanobelt structured MoO₃ intimately wired by carbon nanotube (CNT) networks using a facile hydrothermal synthesis approach. The CNT networks not only serve as a highly conducting and porous scaffold facilitating electron and ion transport but also provided extra space for buffering of strain and stress upon electrochemical Li insertion and extraction. The resulting MoO₃ nanobelt/CNT (MoO₃/CNT) hybrid structures show improved performance compared with the pristine MoO₃ material, regardless of the presence of nearly non-active CNTs. Specifically, the MoO₃/CNT with 30 wt% CNTs loading presents a capacity exceeding 320 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, and exhibits excellent rate capability. It delivers capacities of 166 mA h g⁻¹ and 120 mA h g⁻¹, or 237 and 171 mA h g⁻¹ based on the mass of the active material MoO₃ only, at higher rates of 5 C and 10 C, respectively. The MoO₃/CNT material also exhibits a fairly stable cycling behavior over 500 cycles at 5 C, demonstrating the potential of strongly intertwined MoO₃/CNT hybrids as a novel electrode material for rechargeable batteries.