High-performance CNT-wired MoO3 nanobelts for Li-storage application

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We report a nanobelt structured MoO3 intimately wired by carbon nanotube (CNT) networks using a facile hydrothermal synthesis approach. The CNT networks not only serve as a highly conducting and porous scaffold facilitating electron and ion transport but also provided extra space for buffering of strain and stress upon electrochemical Li insertion and extraction. The resulting MoO3 nanobelt/CNT (MoO3/CNT) hybrid structures show improved performance compared with the pristine MoO3 material, regardless of the presence of nearly non-active CNTs. Specifically, the MoO3/CNT with 30 wt% CNTs loading presents a capacity exceeding 320 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, and exhibits excellent rate capability. It delivers capacities of 166 mA h g−1 and 120 mA h g−1, or 237 and 171 mA h g−1 based on the mass of the active material MoO3 only, at higher rates of 5 C and 10 C, respectively. The MoO3/CNT material also exhibits a fairly stable cycling behavior over 500 cycles at 5 C, demonstrating the potential of strongly intertwined MoO3/CNT hybrids as a novel electrode material for rechargeable batteries.