Co₃O₄/MnMoO₄ nanorod clusters with surface-modified heterostructures as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract In this study, a two-step hydrothermal method was used to synthesize a heterostructure Co₃O₄/MnMoO₄ nanorod cluster composite material with a synergistic interface on nickel foam (NF). MnMoO₄ is distributed in short rod-like or granular crystals on the bulk crystal surfaces of Co₃O₄, forming a closely contacted heterostructure, thereby enhancing the electron transport rate at the electrode interface and effectively alleviating issues such as volume expansion and structural collapse during charging and discharging. The rationally designed surface modification structure and abundant Li⁺ reaction sites of Co₃O₄/MnMoO₄ confer excellent rate performance and high capacity. The initial discharge capacity at a current of 0.1 A g⁻ ¹is approximately 1244 mAh g⁻ ¹. After 200 cycles, the composite electrode retains a high reversible capacity of approximately 840 mAh g⁻ ¹. At a high current of 1 A g⁻ ¹, the reversible capacity is observed to remain at approximately 885 mAh g⁻ ¹. These results indicate that Co₃O₄/MnMoO₄ composite materials are a highly promising electrode material.