Multi-component hierarchical hollow Co–Mo–O nanocages anchored on reduced graphene oxide with strong interfacial interaction for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) with high capacity have been extensively studied as promising anode candidates for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsic low electrical conductivity, sluggish reaction kinetics and dramatic volume expansion greatly restrict their practical applications. In the present work, we delicate design and synthesis of an advanced composite consisting of multi-component CoO/MoO2/CoMoO4 hierarchical hollow nanocages anchored on reduced graphene oxide (named as Co–Mo–O NCs/rGO composite) with strong interfacial interaction. The hierarchical hollow structure is beneficial for large electrode/electrolyte contact area and fast ion diffusion. Meanwhile, graphene can provide rapid electron transport pathway and buffer the volume change. As a result, the Co–Mo–O NCs/rGO composite exhibits excellent lithium storage performance in aspects of high reversible specific capacity (964 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), good rate capability (333 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1) and long-term cycling performance (731 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 400 cycles). Moreover, electrode kinetics analysis further reveals the capacitive-controlled lithium ion storage mechanism in the Co–Mo–O NCs/rGO composite. The present work would demonstrate the importance of integrating multi-component TMOs hierarchical hollow structures and graphene into one intriguing architecture to boost the electrochemical performance.