Core–Shell Structure of Mo-Based Nanoparticle/Carbon\nNanotube/Amorphous Carbon Composites as High-Performance Anodes for\nLithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

For large-scale energy storage devices,\nlithium-ion batteries (LIBs)\nare leading candidates for applications in electric vehicles. However,\nfurther research efforts are needed to maximize their capacity and\nstability. In this report, a core–shell structure of molybdenum-based\nnanoparticle/carbon nanotube (CNT)/carbon is synthesized successfully\nthrough facile hydrothermal/annealing processes and applies for anode\nmaterials in LIBs. The good conductivity of the CNT core and the uniform\nnanoparticle of molybdenum-based compounds in the buffer matrix of\nthe amorphous carbon shell result in a high capacity of 810 mA h g^–1 for anode LIBs, an excellent stability for 500 cycles,\nand a Coulombic efficiency of ∼98%. Our study reveals that\nultrafine nanoparticles of molybdenum-based compounds can enhance\nthe pseudocapacitance. The conductivity of the CNT is the main contributor\nto the improved stability for lithium-ion storage at a high current\ndensity. This approach can be used for further improvement of structural\ndesign and material synthesis for anode LIBs.