A Novel α‐MoO<sub>3</sub>/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanohorns Composite as High‐Performance Anode Material for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Battery
Sumit Ranjan Sahu, Vallabha Rao Rikka, Prathap Haridoss, Abhijit Chatterjee, R. Gopalan, Raju Prakash
Abstract
Abstract Orthorhombic α‐MoO 3 is a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of 1100 mAh g −1 and excellent structural stability. However, its intrinsic poor electronic conductivity and high volume expansion during the charge–discharge process impede it from achieving a high practical capacity. A novel composite of α‐MoO 3 nanobelts and single‐walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) is synthesized by a facile microwave hydrothermal technique and demonstrated as a high‐performance anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The α‐MoO 3 /SWCNH composite displays superior electrochemical properties (654 mAh g −1 at 1 C), excellent rate capability (275 mAh g −1 at 5 C), and outstanding cycle life (capacity retention of >99% after 3000 cycles at 1 C) without any cracking of the electrode. The presence of SWCNHs in the composite enhances the electrochemical properties of α‐MoO 3 by acting as a lithium storage material, electronic conductive medium, and buffer against pulverization.