Keggin-type phosphomolybdate anchored paper ball-like graphene as high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries

To increase the conductivity and overcome the solubility and agglomeration of polyoxometalate (POMs), herein, paper ball-like graphene (PBG, 100 mg) anchoring different amount (200 mg, 600 mg, 900 mg) of H3PMo12O40 (PMo12) nanocomposites (donated as PBG@PMo12 (n) (n = 1, 2, 3, respectively)) were successfully fabricated, in which the PBG can not only improve conductivity of PMo12 but also effectively prevent PMo12 aggregation. Moreover, the PBG and PBG@PMo12 (n) nanocomposites were characterized by PXRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. As a consequence, when the PBG@PMo12 (n) (n = 1, 2, 3) nanocomposites were used as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), PBG@PMo12 (n) (n = 1, 2, 3) exhibit superior behavior of energy storage, especially, PBG@PMo12 (2) exhibits a high reversible capacity of 583.2 mA h g−1 up to a cycle life of 100 cycles, being better than those of matrix and others. The results indicate that the PBG can provide a favored contact between POMs and electrolyte, resulting in the enhanced capacity. [Display omitted] •Paper ball-like graphene (PBG) anchoring different amount of H3PMo12O40 were successfully fabricated.•In the PBG@PMo12 (n), the PBG can not only improve conductivity of PMo12, but also effectively prevent PMo12aggregation.•PBG@PMo12 (2) exhibits a high reversible capacity, being far greater than that of PMo12.