Intercalation-type MoP and WP nanodots with abundant phase interface embedded in carbon microflower for enhanced Li storage and reaction kinetics

Abstract

High discharging capacity materials with an intercalation-type mechanism are the promising anodes to replace the conventional graphite. In this work, WP and MoP nanodots encapsulated in flower-like carbon framework are prepared by a simple soft chemical method followed by phosphorization. The intercalation-type lithiation mechanisms of WP and MoP are proved by the ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electron conductivity and the electrode pulverization of WP@MoP are improved by carbon microflowers. The abundant phase interface facilitates the transfer and storage of Li+, revealed by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and the density functional theory (DFT). These advantages result in its high discharging capacity (636 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and ultralong cycling life (81.5% capacity retention after 1700 cycles at 1 A g−1). The outstanding performances of electrode at high mass loading and full cell further reflect its potential value in practice.