Hierarchical MoO2/C microspheres: Preparation and application as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Hierarchical MoO2/C microsphere has been successfully prepared via a template-assisted process in the presence of polyethylene glycol followed by thermal annealing. The as-synthesized MoO2/C microsphere with a diameter of about 1.5 μm had rough surface and good monodispersity. Notably, each microsphere consisted of many nanoparticles with a size of about 20 nm and existed abundant of porous. The MoO2/C microsphere was used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries and its electrical property was also determined in this work. At a current density of 100 mA g−1, the MoO2/C composite exhibited the discharge specific capacity of 768 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and 800 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. Even at a high current density of 500 mA g−1, the discharge specific capacity of 565 mAh g−1 can be maintained after 300 cycles. Such high capacity and excellent cycling stability might be attributed to the hierarchical and porous structure of the MoO2/C, greatly enhancing lithium ions transport and buffering the volume change. Several advantages such as the high electrochemical performance, mild reaction conditions and structural controllability render the hierarchical MoO2/C microsphere as a potential anode material for high performance Li-ion batteries. [Display omitted] •Hierarchical MoO2/C microsphere was fabricated via a simple and facile strategy.•The MoO2/C electrodes exhibit high capacity and stable cycling performance.•The superior electrochemical property is ascribed to unique structure of MoO2/C.