Decorating Red Phosphorus-Carbon Composites with Molybdenum Nanoparticles to Enhance Lithium Storage Performance

Red phosphorus, owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and suitable intercalation potential, is considered one of the most promising candidates for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. However, its poor electrical conductivity and significant volume expansion during lithiation severely hinder its practical lithium storage performance. In this study, red phosphorus-carbon nanotube composites decorated with molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo-RP-CNT) were prepared via a ball-milling method. Compared to RP-CNT composites, the Mo-RP-CNT composites demonstrate markedly improved cycling stability and rate performance. At current densities of 100 mA g−1 and 4000 mA g−1, the reversible specific capacities reach 1818.3 mAh g−1 and 1106.1 mAh g−1, respectively. Even after 150 cycles at 200 mA g−1, the battery retains a high reversible specific capacity of 1387.7 mAh g−1. Kinetic analysis reveals that the incorporation of Mo nanoparticles enhances the electrical conductivity of the composites and contributes additional surface activation sites and capacitive storage. Furthermore, the Mo nanoparticles, in synergy with carbon nanotubes, help form lithium-ion transport channels that reduce interfacial resistance. These findings suggest that Mo-RP-CNT composites are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, offering excellent cycling stability and rate performance.