A flexible plane-wire MoO2-anchored carbon nanofiber matrix as freestanding anodes for lithium storage with enhanced cyclability

Abstract

Inspired by beds of silkworm cocoon, a flexible ″plane-wire″ MoO2-anchored carbon nanofiber matrix has been successfully prepared through electrospinning and subsequent annealing processes. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 877 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 with a high initial coulombic efficiency of 84.7 % and showcases a high reversible specific capacity of 743 mAh g−1 in the second cycle when employed as free-standing anodes for lithium batteries. It also exhibits good rate performance and superb cyclability, which delivering a specific capacity of 364 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 2 A g−1 and maintains a notable specific capacity of 674 mAh g−1 even after 2000 cycles. It is found that, the carbon nanofiber matrix serves as a robust electronic conductive network to reduce the charge transfer resistance and promote the transportation of Li+, and provides excellent support to buffer volume changes of the MoO2, resulting in enhanced rate performance and cyclability. Moreover, these electrodes are designed to be free-standing, which can improve the flexibility of the electrode and initial coulombic efficiency. It is believed that the as-prepared ″plane-wire″ MoO2-anchored carbon nanofiber matrix is a promising anode material for high-performance LIBs.