MoO3–MnO2 intergrown nanoparticle composite prepared by one-step hydrothermal synthesis as anode for lithium ion batteries

A MoO₃–MnO₂ intergrown nanoparticle composite was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses show the biphasic intergrown nanocrystalline particles of MoO₃ and MnO₂ with a narrow size distribution ranging from 6 nm to 8 nm. The main feature of the intergrown structure is the synergistic effect of MoO₃ and MnO₂ during intergrowth in the hydrothermal process. Mo⁽⁶⁺⁾ is embedded into MnO₂ to support its crystal lattice, whereas Mn⁽⁴⁺⁾ is incorporated into the MoO₃ lattice to modify its crystal structure. The synergistic intergrowth of the biphases greatly improves the structural stability and its electrical conductivity of the MoO₃–MnO₂ composite. The composite attains an initial specific capacity of 2034.2 mAh g⁻¹ and stays 1446.5 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at a rate of 0.5C in the voltage range of 0.01–2.0 V in lithium-ion batteries. Even at a high rate of 1.0C the capacity remains at 624.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 150 cycles. Therefore, the fabricated MoO₃–MnO₂ intergrown nanoparticle composite is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The proposed one-step hydrothermal method for the synthesis of biphasic intergrown nano-composite can be used as a general approach to prepare other electrode materials for electrochemical applications.