Facilely synthesized Li4MoO5: Understanding phase formation process and exploring lithium storage performance

Abstract

The electron-donor effect of Li can opposite the inductive effect of polyanions and lower the redox potential of transition metal, which opens a new way to discover potential anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, lithium-rich molybdate Li4MoO5 is expected as a promising candidate for high-performance LIBs anodes by virtue of the electron-donor effect. Herein, monoclinic Li4MoO5 is first synthesized via a facile liquid-phase method, and its physicochemical characteristics are investigated in detail. Special attention is paid to discuss the phase formation process and reaction path of Li4MoO5. Furthermore, the synthesized Li4MoO5 shows a high capacity and good cycling stability as anode material for rechargeable LIBs. In the working voltage between 0.02 and 3 V vs. Li, it delivers an initial discharge capacity of 874 mA h g−1, and displays a good cycling stability (90.1% capacity retention after 80 cycles) at a current density of 0.05 A g−1. Moreover, excellent rate capability (280 mA h g−1 at a fast charging rate of 2 A g−1) is also achieved for this material. Our work demonstrates that Li4MoO5 material can be considered as a potential anode for lithium ion batteries.