Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of α-MoO3 nanobelts for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO₃) nanobelts have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method at 180°C for 20 h. The prepared α-MoO₃ samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy methods. It was found that α-MoO₃ nanobelts grow along the c-axis, with ±(100) top or bottom surfaces and ±(010) side surfaces. The prepared α-MoO₃ nanobelts were used as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. They exhibit specific capacity of 1340 and 1250 mA h g^–1 at a current density of 100 and 400 mA/g, respectively.