Effect of cation doping on the electrochemical properties of Li2MoO3 as a promising cathode material for lithium-ion battery

A series of cation-doped Li 2 MoO 3 materials were successfully prepared by a facile method. The experimental characterizations showed that the incorporation of metal cations can change the structures of Li 2 MoO 3 materials. In addition, Li 2 Mo 0.96 M 0.04 O 3 materials have higher structural stabilities and electrical conductivities in comparison to the pristine sample, which results in a much improved electrochemical performance. The initial discharge capacities are respectively 246.87, 256.92, 255.38, 271.12, and 261.25 mAh g −1 for Li 2 MoO 3 , Li 2 Mo 0.96 Zn 0.04 O 3 , Li 2 Mo 0.96 Mg 0.04 O 3 , Li 2 Mo 0.96 Cr 0.04 O 3 , and Li 2 Mo 0.96 La 0.04 O 3 . Li 2 Mo 0.96 La 0.04 O 3 has the best performance, and it can deliver a specific capacity of 149.89 mAh g −1 at the 50th cycle at a charge/discharge current density of 34 mA g −1 . Our experiments have identified the promising role of cation doping and offered some important information for the design and optimization of Li 2 MoO 3 -based cathode materials.