Storage of Lithium-Ion by Phase Engineered MoO₃ Homojunctions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is a low-cost material with high theoretical specific capacity, making it a potential anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• However, its practical application is hindered by low electronic conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics, limiting lithium ion storage capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the electrochemical performance of MoO3 for lithium-ion battery anodes.
• To overcome the limitations of low conductivity and slow kinetics in MoO3 through phase engineering.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of orthorhombic/monoclinic MoO3 (α/h-MoO3) hetero-phase homojunctions using a phase engineering approach.
• Characterization of the structural and electrochemical properties of the synthesized α/h-MoO3 homojunctions.

Main Results:

• The α/h-MoO3 homojunctions exhibit an increased hetero-phase interface, providing more active sites for Li+ storage.
• The interface engineering regulates the local coordination environment and electronic structure, inducing a built-in electric field that enhances electron and ion transport.
• Achieved a higher capacity of 1094 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and improved rate performance (406 mAh g-1 at 5.0 A g-1) compared to single-phase MoO3.

Conclusions:

• The α/h-MoO3 hetero-phase homojunction strategy effectively improves lithium ion storage performance in MoO3.
• This approach offers a viable pathway for developing advanced anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.