MoS₂ Nanoflower-Derived Interconnected CoMoO₄ Nanoarchitectures as a Stable and High Rate Performing Anode for...

In recent years, conversion-based mixed transition-metal oxides have emerged as a potential anode for the next generation lithium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical capacity and high rate performance. Herein, an interconnected cobalt molybdenum oxide (CoMoO₄) nanoarchitecture derived from molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) nanoflowers is investigated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. The interconnected CoMoO₄ displayed an excellent discharge capacity of 1100 mA h g^-1 over 100 cycles at a current rate of C/5. Moreover, the material exhibited an enhanced electrochemical stability, high rate performance, and delivered high discharge capacities of 600 and 220 mA h g^-1, respectively, at 5 C and 10 C after 500 cycles. The excellent cycling stability and high rate performance of interconnected CoMoO₄ are credited to its unique architecture and porous morphology. The above characteristics and the synergetic effect between the constituting metal ions not only provided a shorter diffusion path for the lithium-ion conduction but also improved the electronic conductivity and mechanical strength of the anode. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy analysis of the electrochemically cycled electrode revealed good structural integrity of the electrode. Further, the practical feasibility of interconnected CoMoO₄ in the full cell was analyzed by integrating it with the LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cathode, which demonstrated excellent cycling stability and high rate performance.