Core-Sheath Structured MoO₃@MoS₂Composite for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Layer-structured MoO3 with a high theoretical specific capacity is a promising lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode alternative material. However, the poor electrical conductivity and pulverization during the Li+ insertion/extraction processes limit its practical application. Herein, we designed a core-sheath MoO3@MoS2 composite via in situ growth of few-layered MoS2 nanoflakes on the surface of the biotemplated MoO3. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the preferred growth orientation of MoO3 crystals was altered under the induction of petal biotemplates. The layer-reduced MoO3 and the highly dispersed MoS2 provide abundant active sites. The unique core-sheath structure alleviates volume expansion of the electrode material. The electrochemical measurements results show that the composite possesses a high specific capacity (1545 mAh/g) and Coulombic efficiency (above 98%) after 150 cycles, as well as a better conductivity. Besides, the MoO3@MoS2 composite presents a stable rate performance under a current density of 100-1000 mA/g. Our work indicates that MoO3@MoS2 composite might be a good candidate as an anode material.