Self-sacrificing template based hollow carbon spheres/molybdenum dioxide nanocomposite for high-performance Lithium-ion batteries

Uniform pore sized, hollow carbon spheres encapsulated with molybdenum dioxide (HCSs/MoO₂) were prepared via a template-free methodology that utilizes the solution based self-assembly of alternating copolymer followed by the carbonization. The as-prepared HCSs/MoO₂ nanocomposite material have a uniform pore size distribution and successfully applied as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Further, the electrochemical properties of HCSs/MoO₂ nanocomposite were also evaluated in this manuscript. The synthesized HCSs/MoO₂ nanocomposite material exhibit excellent discharge capacity of 1395 mA h g⁻¹ for the first cycle and 1094 mA h g⁻¹ over the 100 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g⁻¹. Such excellent maintenance of high capacitive value may be attributed to the uniform porosity of the HCSs/MoO₂ composite material. This uniform pore size distribution greatly enhances the transportation of lithium ions (Li⁺) and shielding the volume changes in the composite matrix. A number of advantages including structural controllability, delicate reaction conditions, and great electrochemical performance render the HCSs/MoO₂ nanocomposite material as a potential anode material for high-performance Li-ion batteries.